Bi-10-01904 - Eia Report

EIA REPORT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

BI-10-01904: FADHILI DOWNSTREAM PIPELINES
Saudi Aramco – Jacobs Zate (JZ)
EIA REPORT- Rev01

July 23, 2014
Submitted By: Submitted To:

Environmental Consulting Bureau Jacobs Zate (JZ)
P. O. Box 505 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Riyadh 11372
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Phone: 00966 1 462 2926 Phone: +966

Fax: 00966 1 465 3560 Fax:
Contact: Contact:
Mr. Abraham Jacob (0506487422)
Draft Environmental Impact Assessment
Saudi Aramco BI-10-01904: Fadhili Downstream Pipelines
CON-Dam-Pp2014-
112
Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA)
Fadhili Downstream Pipelines
(BI-10-01904)
Jacobs Zate
EIA REPORT – Rev 01

July 23rd, 2014
July 23, 2014 2|Page

Internal Quality Control and Quality Assurance

Document Control and Release Information
Original Issue
Rev Date Details Prepared By Reviewed Released By
By
00 June 30, EIA Report Ahmed Subit Abraham
2014 Sawalha / Chandran / Jacob
Jerry Abraham Abraham
/ Subit Jacob
Chandran
01 July 23, Revision 01 Subit Ahmed Abraham

2014 Chandran Sawalha Jacob

Table of Contents
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS ...................................................... 8

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................... 11
1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................. 14
1.1 Project Overview ............................................................................................ 14
1.2 Project Stakeholders........................................................................................ 14
1.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Process.................................................... 15
1.4 EIA Objectives ................................................................................................ 16
1.5 Project Classification ...................................................................................... 16
1.6 Assessment Methodology ............................................................................... 17
1.6.1 Aspect Identification and Assessment criteria ......................................... 18
2.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK.................. 20
2.1 Environmental Regulatory Framework for the EIA Study ............................. 20
2.2 Applicability of PME Regulations .................................................................. 20
2.3 Environmental Management Requirements of Saudi Aramco ....................... 30
3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................. 32
3.1 Project Location .............................................................................................. 32
3.2 Project Objective ............................................................................................. 37
3.3 Project Justification......................................................................................... 37
3.4 Project Description.......................................................................................... 38
3.4.1 Project Design Objectives ........................................................................ 39
3.4.2 Project Facilities Description ................................................................... 40
3.5 Project Pipeline Utilities ................................................................................. 52
3.6 Project Budget Item Interfaces........................................................................ 53
3.7 Project Physical Interfaces .............................................................................. 54
3.7.1 FDEWG-1 Sales Gas Pipeline ................................................................. 54
3.7.2 FDKG-1 Sales Gas Pipeline..................................................................... 54
3.7.3 FDWTG-1 Sour Gas Transfer Pipeline.................................................... 55
3.7.4 FDWDL-1 Heavy Diesel Oil Pipeline ..................................................... 56
3.7.5 Utility Water Pipeline .............................................................................. 57
3.8 Project Operating Interfaces and `Demolition Activities................................ 57
3.9 Land Use Permits (LUPs) ............................................................................... 58
3.10 Project Schedule............................................................................................ 59
4.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC
CONDITIONS ............................................................................................................ 60
4.1 GENERAL SETTING .................................................................................... 60

4.1.1 National Outlook ...................................................................................... 60

4.1.2 Regional and Project Area ....................................................................... 60
4.2 METEOROLOGY AND CLIMATE .............................................................. 79
4.2.2 Regional and Project Areas ...................................................................... 80
4.3 AIR QUALITY ............................................................................................... 83
4.3.2 Regional and Project Area Outlook ......................................................... 84
4.4 SOILS AND GEOLOGY ............................................................................... 86
4.4.2 Regional and Project Area Outlook ......................................................... 89
4.5 GROUNDWATER ..................................................................................... 91
4.5.2 Regional and Project Areas ...................................................................... 95
4.6 SURFACE WATER, DESALINATED WATER AND TREATED
WASTEWATER.................................................................................................. 99
4.6.2 Regional and Project Areas .................................................................... 103
4.7 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY ........................................................................ 103
4.7.1 General Overview of Vegetation in the Kingdom ................................. 103
4.7.2 Regional and Project Areas .................................................................... 107
4.8 NOISE ........................................................................................................... 139
4.8.1 National Outlook .................................................................................... 139
4.8.2 Regional and Project Area ..................................................................... 139
4.9 SOCIOECONOMICS ................................................................................... 144
4.9.1 National Outlook .................................................................................... 144
4.9.2 Regional and Project Area ..................................................................... 148
4.10 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ................................. 149
4.10.1 National Outlook .................................................................................. 149
4.10.2 Regional and Project Areas .................................................................. 150
4.11 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION ...................................................... 152
4.11.1 National Outlook .................................................................................. 152
4.11.2 Regional and Project Areas .................................................................. 155
5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ............................................................................... 157
5.1 STUDY AREA ............................................................................................. 157
5.2 AIR QUALITY ............................................................................................ 157
5.2.1 Construction Phase Impacts ................................................................... 157
5.2.2 Operational Phase Impacts ..................................................................... 160

5.2.3 Cumulative Impacts ............................................................................... 162

5.3 SOIL AND GROUNDWATER .................................................................... 162
5.3.2 Operational Phase Impacts ..................................................................... 164
5.4 WATER AND WASTEWATER.................................................................. 164
5.4.2 Operations Phase Impacts ...................................................................... 167
5.5 FLORA AND FAUNA ................................................................................ 167
5.5.1 Construction & Operations Phase Impacts ............................................ 167
5.6 LAND USE AND POPULATION ............................................................... 168
5.6.1 Project Concerns .................................................................................... 168
5.6.2 Land Acquisition and Resettlement of Communities ............................ 168
5.6.3 Influx of Migrant Workforce ................................................................. 168
5.6.4 Worker and Community Health and Safety ........................................... 169
5.6.5 Effects on Sites of Archeological and Cultural Interest ......................... 169
5.6.6 Impact on Traffic and Transportation .................................................... 169
5.7 NOISE ........................................................................................................... 170
5.7.2 Operations Phase Impacts ...................................................................... 173
5.7.3. Cumulative Impacts ............................................................................. 173
6.0 WASTE MANAGEMENT ............................................................................. 175
6.1 Waste Management in Saudi Arabia............................................................ 175
6.2 Legal and Other Requirements .................................................................... 177
6.3 Construction and Operations Wastes ........................................................... 179
6.3.1 Construction Phase Wastes .................................................................... 179
6.4 Waste Prevention and Minimization............................................................ 184
6.5 Waste Management Recommendations ....................................................... 185
7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION AND MONITORING PROGRAM .....
188
7.1 Construction Phase Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) .................. 188
7.1.1 Air Quality ............................................................................................ 188
7.1.2 Soil and Groundwater ........................................................................... 190
7.1.3 Water and Wastewater .......................................................................... 191
7.1.4 Flora and Fauna...................................................................................... 192
7.1.5 Land Use and Population ...................................................................... 192

7.1.6 Noise ..................................................................................................... 192

7.1.7 Waste Management ............................................................................... 193
7.1.8 Training ................................................................................................. 193
7.2 Construction Phase Environmental Monitoring Plan ................................... 193
8.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ............................................................... 196
8.1 Project Location and Site Alternatives ......................................................... 196
8.2 Project Design ............................................................................................... 196
8.3 Water Use Alternatives ................................................................................. 197
8.4 New Corridor Alternatives ............................................................................ 197
8.5 No Project ..................................................................................................... 198
9.0 POTENTIAL TO EARN CERTIFIED EMISSION REDUCTION (CER)
CREDITS .................................................................................................................. 200
9.1 Overview of the CDM Process ..................................................................... 200
9.2 CDM Eligibility Requirements ..................................................................... 200
9.3 Overview of the CDM Registration Process ................................................. 201
9.4 Potential Opportunities for Qualifying under CDM ..................................... 202
10.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY ............................................................................. 204
10.1 Mitigation Measures ................................................................................... 206
11.0 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................... 210
11.1 Construction Phase...................................................................................... 210
11.2 Operations Phase ......................................................................................... 211
12.0 REFERENCES .............................................................................................. 212

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS

BPD Barrels Per Day
°C Degree Celsius
ACC American Chemical Council
ACM Asbestos containing materials
AH Arabian Heavy
AL Arabian Light
AMMNET Air Quality Monitoring Meteorology Network
BAT Best Available Techniques
BI Budget Item
BOD Biological Oxygen Demand
CDM Clean Development Mechanism
CEMP Construction Phase Environmental Management Plan
CER Certified Emission Reductions
CITES Convention on Trade in Endangered Species
CO Carbon monoxide
CO2 Carbon dioxide
CWMP Construction Waste Management Plan
dBA Decibels (A-weighted)
DBSP Design Basis Scoping Paper
ECB Environmental Consulting Bureau
EHS Environmental Health and Safety
EHS&S Environmental, Health, Safety and Security
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIV Emergency Isolation Valve
EMMP Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan
EPD Environmental Protection Department (Saudi Aramco)
EPD/EED Environmental Protection Division/Environmental Engineering
Department
EWPS East West Pump Station
FDEWG-1 Proposed 204 km, 56” Sales Gas Pipeline
FDKG-1 Proposed 32 km, 56” Sales Gas Pipeline
FDWDL-1 Proposed 34 km, 3” HDO Pipeline
FDWTG-1 Proposed 34 km, 24” Sour Gas Pipeline
FGP Fadhili Gas Plant
GER General Environmental Regulation
GHG Greenhouse Gases
GI General Instruction (Saudi Aramco)
HCIS High Commission for Industrial Security
HDO Heavy Diesel Oil
HGP Hawiyah Gas Plant
H2S Hydrogen Sulfide
hr Hour
HSE Health, Safety and Environment
IAIA International Association for Impact Assessment
IFC International Financing Corporation
ISO 14001 International Organizations for Standardization – Environmental
Management System
IWTP Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant
JZ Jacobs Zate
KGP Khursaniyah Gas Plant
kg Kilogram
Km Kilometer
LAeq Equivalent continuous sound

LDS Leak Detection System

LEL Lower Exposure Limit
m Meter
m2 Square Meter
m3 Cubic Meter
MBCD Thousand Barrels of Oil per Calendar Day
MBD Million Barrels per Day
MBTU Million British Thermal Unit
MCE Ministerial Committee on Environment
MCM Million Cubic Meter
min Minute
mm Millimeter
MMSCFD Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day
MinPet Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources
MOA Ministry of Agriculture
MOI HCIS Ministry of Interior High Commission for Industrial Security
MODA Ministry of Defense and Aviation
MOMRA Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs
MOWE Ministry of Water and Electricity
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
MTD Metric Tonnes per Day
MVPI Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection
NCWCD National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development
N2O Nitrous Oxide
NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
O3 Ozone
OHS Occupational Health and Safety
OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series – Occupational
Health and Safety Management System
PDD Project Design Document
PDI Population Density Index
PEMR Periodic Environmental Management Review
PM Particulate Matter
PM10 Matter with Aerodynamic Diameter Less than 10 µm
PME Presidency of Meteorology and Environment
PLC Programmable Logic Controller
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
ppm Part Per Million
RER Rupture Exposure Radius
ROW Right of Way
RTU Remote Terminal Unit
SAEP Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure
SAES Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard
SAGIA Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority
SAPMT Saudi Aramco Project Management Team
SASC Saudi Aramco Sanitary Code
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (Saudi Aramco)
SCTA Saudi Council for Tourism and Archaeology
SO2 Sulfur Dioxide
SOW Scope of Work
SPA Saudi Ports Authority
SWCC Saline Water Conversion Corporation
SWTP Sanitary Wastewater System

TCF Temporary Construction Facilities

TPH Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons
TSD Transport, Storage and Disposal
USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
VOC Volatile Organic Compound
WGP Wasit Gas Plant
WHO World Health Organization
WMP Waste Management Plan
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Saudi Aramco plans to develop the Fadhili Downstream Pipelines (BI-10-09-
1904) {project as part of the Fadhili Development Program approximately 41 km
from Jubail in the Eastern Province. The primary objective of the Fadhili
Development Program is to support corporate strategy to meet the in-Kingdom
sales gas demand and to reduce crude oil burning.
The Fadhili Downstream Pipelines project will install five pipelines in the Eastern
Province and include:
 204 km, 56” FDEWG-1 Sales Gas pipeline from Fadhili Gas Plant (FGP) to
East West Pumping Station No 1 (EWPS-1).
 32 km, 56” FDKG-1 Sales Gas pipeline from Wasit Gas Plant (WGP) to FGP.
 34 km, 24” FDWTG-1 Sour Gas pipeline from WGP to FGP.
 34 km, 3” FDWDL-1 Heavy Diesel Oil (HDO) from FGP to WGP.
 34 km, 18” Utility Water pipeline from WGP to FGP.
Jacobs Zate (JZ) has been contracted by the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi
Aramco) for the Project Proposal Design of the Fadhili Downstream Pipelines
(BI-10-01904) project.
The Engineer Mowaffaq Rushaid Office for Environmental Consulting/

Environmental Consulting Bureau (ECB) has been commissioned by Jacobs Zate
to undertake the required EIA study for the Project in accordance with the
requirements of Saudi Aramco and the Presidency of Meteorology and
Environment’s General Environmental Requirements (GER).
There are no sales gas pipelines available for transportation from FGP to the East-
West Pipeline Corridor and MGS. The construction of the sales gas, sour gas and
heavy diesel oil pipelines as part of this Project will help meet increasing overall
demand volumes from existing and new customers in the Jubail area, Ras Al-
Khair, Central Region and Western Region.
The baseline environment for the Project was determined through available
literature, a desktop study and from site visits.
 Ambient air quality in the region is affected by largely influenced by
prevailing climatic conditions which directly affects particulate
concentrations in ambient air. Sand storms and industrial emissions in the
region (Jubail) affect ambient air quality in the area.
 Soils in the project areas consist of sandy soils, shallow rocky soils
extending to rocky outcrops and dune formations. Pipeline areas toward
the coastal zones consist of Sabkhas interspersed with sand sheets.
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 The project site is located within Dammam and Al Hasa hydrogeological

formation which is primarily characterized by alternating layers of
aquifers and aquitards. The principal aquifer resources in the region
include the Wasia-Biyadh, Cretaceous Sands, Dammam, Umm Er
Radhuma, and the Neogene Aquifer.
 Drinking water to the region is delivered from two main sources:
desalinated seawater from desalination plants in Jubail and from local
artesian wells.
 The project areas are located in the Gulf Coast Agroclimatic Zone of the
Kingdom which is sparsely vegetated and has low potential for
agricultural activities. Soils here are represented by saline, porous and
calcareous conditions. The floral communities are adapted to the humid,
low precipitation, high pan evaporation and extreme desert climatic
conditions that characterize the area. The major vegetation communities
are those typical to coastal and sabkha environments comprising typically
drought deciduous, dry shrub and thorn woodlands.
 A noise survey was undertaken along different sections of the existing and
proposed pipeline corridors to establish background noise. Readings
measured ranged between 40.61 LAeq (dB) and 80.19 LAeq (dB). The
pipelines are routed in predominantly unpopulated areas with low noise
levels. However, there are stretches of the corridor that pass along major
industrial activity areas (KGP) and quarry sites (near WGP and FGP).
 The pipelines are predominantly routed in unpopulated areas. Population
areas in the vicinity of the pipeline corridors include Fardaniyah village
(close to FDEWG-1).
 No sites of archaeological interest or cultural heritage have been observed
along the pipeline corridors or immediate vicinity.
Potential construction and commissioning phase impacts from the project have
been identified and assessed.
 Impacts on air quality during construction will include dust emissions
(from site preparation and vehicular movement) and vehicular exhaust
emissions.
 Soils and groundwater impacts potentially include from inappropriate
disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes and from fuels and oil
spills and leaks.
 Significant quantities of potable water will be required for construction,
potable water supply and hydrotesting. Sanitary wastewater, dewatered
groundwater, and hydrotest wastewater will be generated on-site during
construction. All water requirements and wastewater disposal will be by
approved sub-contractors.
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 Low vegetation cover in the area will not be of major concern for
displacement and loss of habitat for flora and fauna.
 Construction activities will result in a temporary surge in ambient noise
levels from the use of machinery and vehicles on-site.
 Construction of the project and influx of migrant workforce will not result
in land acquisition and resettlement issues or be of concern to the local
communities in the region.
 Construction phase wastes will largely be comprised of concrete spillage,
pipe cuttings, metals, valves, timber, steel/pipe cut-offs, packaging
wastes, and construction/sanitary wastewater.
Operations phase impacts from the project have been identified and assessed.
 Operational phase impacts on air quality are not considered to be
significant as the pipeline operations will not involve any emission
intensive activities.
 There are no major operational phase impacts expected from the Project,
as the activities in this phase will generally be limited to routine
maintenance and inspection of the pipelines.
 There are no impacts on water or wastewater during pipeline operations as
activities will largely be limited to routine maintenance and inspection.
 There are no operations phase impacts on flora and fauna expected from
the Project.
 Considering the nature and scope of the Project (pipelines operation), the
operations phase is not expected to contribute to noise levels in the area.
Specific mitigation measures and environmental management and monitoring

programmes have been prescribed in Section 7of this report.
The EIA concludes the project will not of major significance on the environment
and will be required to meet the Kingdom’s demand for sales gas and reduction in
crude oil burning.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Jacobs Zate (JZ) has been contracted by the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi
Aramco) for the design of “Fadhili Downstream Pipelines” project. The purpose
of constructing the proposed pipelines is to meet the in-Kingdom sales gas
demand and to reduce crude oil burning.
Saudi Aramco intends to construct new pipelines to transport sales gas from
Fadhili Gas Plant (FGP), and sales gas from Wasit and Khursaniya Gas Pipelines
to FGP. Additionally, the project will also install a sour gas pipeline will transfer
sour gas from Wasit Gas Plant (WGP) to FGP, a heavy diesel oil (HDO) pipeline
will transfer HDO from FGP to WGP, and a Utility Water pipeline from WGP to
FGP.
Saudi Aramco requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be carried

out for all projects classified as Category III projects (i.e. projects of Significant
Impacts) in the company’s SAEP 13 procedure. The EIA study is to be carried out
in the project proposal stage so as to determine in advance the environmental and
social impacts from the construction, commissioning and operational phases and
in turn to identify and recommend appropriate mitigation, monitoring and control
measures.
The Engineer Mowaffaq Rushaid Office for Environmental Consulting/

Environmental Consulting Bureau (ECB) has been commissioned by JZ to
undertake the required EIA study for the proposed project.
This EIA has been carried out in line with the agreed Scope of Work (SOW)
detailed in ECB’s proposal to JZ (Reference CON-Dam-Pp2014-106).
1.1 Project Overview

The proposed pipelines to be developed under this project are:
 204 km, 56” FDEWG-1 Sales Gas pipeline from Fadhili Gas Plant (FGP) to
East West Pumping Station No 1 (EWPS-1).
 32 km, 56” FDKG-1 Sales Gas pipeline from Wasit Gas Plant (WGP) to FGP.
 34 km, 24” FDWTG-1 Sour Gas pipeline from WGP to FGP.
 34 km, 3” FDWDL-1 Heavy Diesel Oil (HDO) from FGP to WGP.
 34 km, 18” Utility Water pipeline from WGP to FGP.
1.2 Project Stakeholders

The principle stakeholders in this project include:
 Saudi Aramco (as the project proponent),
 Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals (MinPet) (as the licensing agency),
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 Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) (as the environmental

regulator in the Kingdom),
 Ministry of Water & Electricity (MOWE) (as they govern all sanitary
wastewater discharges)
 Ministry of Transportation (as the agency regulating transportation networks
and infrastructure) and
 The general public who will be affected by the outcomes of this project.
1.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Process

The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) defines and
Environmental Impact Assessment as,
“The process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating

the biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development
proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments
made.”
An EIA study identifies and evaluates beneficial and adverse impacts, the most
environmentally suitable, cost effective and practical option as well as
alternatives, and provides recommendations for mitigation of negative impacts,
monitoring and auditing project implementation. The assessment is best carried
out in the early project proposal stage so as to ensure its feasibility given the
environmental and social considerations and to incorporate appropriate mitigation
measures. The findings of the assessment are to be considered in the various
stages of design, project planning and budget allocation as shown in Figure 1.1
below. In the construction, commissioning and operational phases, contractors are
required to comply with the recommendations of the assessment.
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Figure 1.1 Interface of EIA with Project Planning and Implementation
1.4 EIA Objectives

This assessment has been carried out to fulfill the PME’s and Saudi Aramco’s
environmental assessment requirements for new/expansion projects. The main
objective of this EIA is to assess in advance the impacts from the construction and
operational phases of the proposed project and to identify the corresponding
mitigation and control measures. The specific objectives of the study include:
1. To comply with Saudi Aramco and PME’s requirements for undertaking an

EIA Study;
2. To determine existing environmental conditions (Baseline);
3. To assess environmental and socio-economic impacts from the construction
and operation of the project; and
4. To provide recommendations for monitoring and mitigation of significant
environmental impacts.
1.5 Project Classification

The PME’s General Environmental Regulations (GER) and Saudi Aramco’s
SAEP 13 procedure, classify projects as either, Category I, II or III depending on
the extent and significance of impacts. Saudi Aramco’s SAEP 13 provides the
following additional guidelines for classification of projects based on their likely
impacts.
1. Category I: A proposed project is classified as first category if it is likely to

have no significant or tangible adverse environmental impact on human
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populations or environmentally sensitive areas, and is not expected to produce

emissions or discharges regulated by government or international agencies.
2. Category II: A proposed project is classified as a second category project if it
is likely to have adverse environmental impacts, which can be substantially
mitigated, and will not significantly impact areas beyond the site boundary
3. Category III: A proposed project is classified as a third category project if it
is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts, which cannot be
fully mitigated, will produce off-site emissions or discharges that are
regulated by the Saudi government, or will impact areas beyond the site
boundary.
(As per PME standard, a pipeline project having a length in excess of 50 km is
classified as CAT III project).
Typically the project classification is determined through an initial scoping and

screening study. For this project, the initial scoping was carried out at the
preliminary design stage in consultation with the project proponent and EPD.
Based on the findings of the scoping study, the project was classified as a
Category III project or project of significant environmental impacts.
1.6 Assessment Methodology

The EIA study was carried out following the guidelines prescribed in Saudi
Aramco’s SAEP 13 procedure and PME’s environmental regulations. Table 1.1
provides a summary of the EIA process followed in this project.
Table 1.1: Summary of EIA Methodology

EIA Description
Phases/Activities
A number of existing documents including design reports, layouts, PFD’s, Population
Density Index report, Geotechnical report, etc. were reviewed.
Project
Specifications and
This task also involved reviewing and extracting the applicable legal requirements;
Regulatory
e.g. PME and Saudi Aramco procedures/standards. Specific legal requirements with
Review
respect to Air Quality, Soil & Groundwater, Land Contamination, Noise, Waste and
Wastewater, etc., are highlighted.
Environmental baseline conditions were established by conducting:
Field surveys to observe existing conditions: Terrestrial ecology, fauna, visual land
contamination
Reviewing available Reports:
Design Basis Scoping Paper (DBSP)
Population Density Index (PDI) Report
Establishing
Topography survey
Environmental
Ambient Air Quality (PME)
Baseline
Data on existing burn pits
Soil and Geological Maps (MOA),
Surface and Groundwater (MOA)
Land Use Development and Socio Economic Baseline (Available data from the
Central Department of Statistics, Ministry of Planning)
Identification and Potential impacts were identified associated with the construction, commissioning and
Assessment of operations of the proposed pipeline on air quality, soil and groundwater, terrestrial
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EIA Description
Phases/Activities
Impacts ecology, noise, and socio-economic parameters.
Impacts were assessed based on a set criterion for evaluating significance. Impacts
were either classified as “Significant” or “Not Significant” after the evaluation.
All types of wastes generated during the construction and operational phases are
identified and classified as hazardous or non-hazardous wastes. Expected disposal
Waste routes are also identified, based on the feedback received from JZ and SAPMT.
Management
Recommendations for management of wastes are identified in the Waste Management
Plan (WMP) and will be implemented during the construction phase of the project.
Impacts Mitigation and Management measures have been addressed to reduce or eliminate the
Mitigation and predicted impacts. The suggested measures are to be implemented during the
Management construction and operations phase of the project.
Measures
The required training program for the project proponent is highlighted for the
Environmental
construction and operations phase of the project.
Management,
Training and
At the end of the project, an EIA should be followed by a monitoring program/audit.
Monitoring
The requirements of the monitoring program are detailed.
Certified Emission Potential to earn Certified Emission Reduction credits for this project is reviewed and
Reduction Credits recommendations for the same are provided.
(CER)
1.6.1 Aspect Identification and Assessment criteria

For conducting an EIA study, it is essential that the criteria by which
impact significance is judged be clearly defined and set out. Setting the
criteria for what amounts to “high”, “medium” or “low” magnitude impact
for a particular project involves deciding what amount of change is
acceptable in that case. Although this is to some extent subjective, but
expert judgment ensures reasonable degree of consensus on the evaluated
significance of impacts. This process assists in determining adaptive
measures to enhance operations while limiting their negative impacts.
In this EIA study, the identified environmental impacts were evaluated for
significance using the criteria in Table 1.2 and Table 1.3 below. Table 1.2
provides the criteria for probability of the aspect to occur. Table 1.3
provides the criteria for evaluating the consequence of the impacts. Using
expert judgment, numerical values were assigned for each criterion for the
identified impacts. The risk rating of each aspect is calculated by
multiplying the probability score with the consequence score. The
significance of the environmental aspects is based on the following criteria
and the matrix represented in Table 1.4 below.
If total score >9 then significant

If total score <9 then not significant.
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Table 1.2: Criteria for Probability Scoring

RANKING DESCRIPTION
1 Impact is unlikely to occur
2 Impact may occur at some time
3 Impact is very likely to occur under normal operations
4 Impact will occur
Table 1.3: Criteria for Consequences Scoring

RANKING DESCRIPTION
Negligible impact
1
No measurable adverse impact to the environment.
Minor impact
2 Slight environmental damage resulting from localized contamination of air, water
or land, but no lasting effect.
Moderate impact
3
Moderate and limited damage to the environment and/or no lasting effect.
Significant impact
4 Severe damage to the environment which may be long term and require extensive
measures to restore the damage.
Table 1.4: Criteria for Assessing Significance of Aspects

PROBABILITY CONSEQUENCE
1 1 2 3 4
2 NS NS NS NS
3 NS NS S S
4 NS NS S S
NS: NON-SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS
S: SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS
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2.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
2.1 Environmental Regulatory Framework for the EIA Study

This EIA study has been carried out within the regulatory provisions of the PME
as prescribed in the General Environmental Regulations (GER) of 2002 and Saudi
Aramco’s SAEP 13 procedure.
PME is the final environmental regulatory authority in the Kingdom and follows
the directions and policies issued by the Ministerial Committee on Environment
(MCE). PME has overall responsibility for preparing, issuing, and enforcing
environmental regulations (and standards) and also for undertaking or seeking
environmental monitoring programs.
The other environmental regulatory agency in the Kingdom is the Royal

Commission of Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) responsible for managing all aspects of
the industrial cities of Jubail, Ras Al Khair (in the eastern province) and Yanbu
(in the western province) through the ‘Royal Commission Environmental
Regulations’ (RCER) of 2010. However, the RCER is not considered in this EIA
study since the proposed project is located outside these industrial cities.
Besides PME and RC, the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals (MinPet) is the
licensing agency for all Saudi Aramco facilities and projects. Project proposals
are submitted to MinPet for review and approval. MinPet facilitates the review of
and approval for the project from other government agencies, including the
environmental assessments where required.
2.2 Applicability of PME Regulations

The environmental regulations of PME are stated in the GER of 2002 which
comprise the following sections:
 Articles 1-18 describes the roles and responsibilities of PME and the licensing
agencies, requirements for new and existing facilities, requirements for
compliance with standards and protection of the environment and fines and
penalties;
 Environmental Protection Standards namely for Ambient Air Quality, Point
Source Emission and Wastewater Pre-Treatment and Direct Discharge
Standards and Receiving Water Guidelines (Annex 1 of the GER);
 Basis and Procedures for Environmental Evaluation of Developmental and
Industrial Projects (Annex 2 of the GER);
 Manual of Environmental Rehabilitation Procedures details the various
environmental activities (services) that require certification from PME (Annex
3 of the GER);
July 23, 2014 20 | P a g e

 Rules and Procedures for Hazardous Waste Management (Annex 4 of the

GER);
 National Contingency Plan for Combating Marine Pollution by Oil and Other
Harmful Substances (Annex 5 of the GER); and
 Types of Contraventions and Nature of Fines (Annex 6 of the GER).
Refer Table 2.1 below for a summary of PME’s environmental protection

standards, guidelines for EIA’s, and main issues addressed in PME’s GER
Table 2.1 Summary of PME Environmental Protection Standards, Guidelines for EIA’s, and Articles
and Appendices
Sl. PME Section Main Issues Addressed
No.
1 Executive Regulation of Guidelines and policies for various environmental issues and roles
General Environmental and responsibilities of the various agencies and governmental bodies
System in Kingdom of and industries in implementation of the same are provided in this
Saudi Arabia section. Major issues addressed in the articles that form this section
include:
 Article 4: Roles and responsibilities of public (government)
parties for enforcement of regulations, use of approved
contractors, communication of environmental emergency
situations with the main body and others.
 Article 5: Requirements for Environmental Impacts
(Evaluation) studies (Procedures and criteria outlined in
Appendix 2)
 Article 6: Pollution control and abatement, rehabilitation
(treatment, restoration/remediation) and other activities for
new and existing facilities and encourages use best available
technology to protect environment.
 Article 8: Addresses roles and responsibilities of various
parties towards the protection of natural resources
 Article 9: Development of plans for prevention of
environmental catastrophes, including preparation of
emergency plans to prevent or decrease dangers of such
impacts on environment.
 Article 11: Requirements to take into consideration the
results of the Environmental Impact (Evaluation) studies in
operations
 Article 12: Requirements to ensure safe work environment
 Article 13: Requirements to prevent pollution (protection of
soil, and water) and noise control
 Article 14: Requirements for management of radioactive and
hazardous wastes
 Article 15: Permitting requirements for existing facilities and
commitment from organizations to ensure that operational
activities are carried-out such that the various environmental
standards are met.
 Article 17 and 18: Roles, Responsibilities and Procedures for
July 23, 2014 21 | P a g e


No.
fines and penalties. The fines could be up o SAR 500,000 for
hazardous waste management-related violations and up to
SAR 10,000 for violations of other provisions of the
regulations. In an event of violation, other laws (such as
Shariah laws, etc.) that could have more severe punishment
could be applied.
2 Appendix (1) Environment General Environmental Standards Applicable to New Facilities;
Protection Standards  General Environmental Standards Applicable to Existing
Document No. 01-1409 H Facilities;
 Ambient Air Quality Standards;
 Air Pollution Source Standards;
 Receiving Water Guidelines;
 Performance Standards for Direct Discharge; and
 Pre-Treatment Guidelines for Discharge to Central
Treatment Facilities
3 Appendix (2) Basis and List of industries under various categories, procedures roles and
Procedures for Evaluation responsibilities of various agencies in environmental clearances and
of Environmental Effects of formats of environmental evaluation reports for Category 1, Category
Developmental and 2 and Category 3 industries respectively
Industrial Projects
4 Appendix (3) Manual of Various environmental activities that require certification from PME
Environmental are listed in this section of the PME regulations. The requirements to
Rehabilitation Procedures obtain certification for the various activities are also identified.
Several provisions prescribe to employ services of PME certified
environmental service providing agencies. The following are the
activities that require certification from PME (to be certified as an
approved environmental service providing organization):
 Environmental studies and researches;
 Municipal solid waste management (Storage, transport,
treatment and disposal);
 Hazardous waste management (Storage, transport, treatment
and disposal);
 Water treatment (industrial wastewater, groundwater);
 Contaminated soil treatment;
 Medical waste management;
 Marine environmental services;
 Pollution control technologies (import, installation and
maintenance);
 Environmental laboratories; and
 Management of Used oil.
5 Appendix (4) Rules and This section details the provisions for hazardous and non-hazardous
Procedures of Hazardous waste management and includes the following:
and Non-Hazardous Solid  Definitions;
Waste Control Document  Applicability;
1- 1423 H  Classification of hazardous wastes and exemptions;
 Requirements for hazardous waste generators (including
storage, shipping, record keeping);
July 23, 2014 22 | P a g e


No.
 Requirements for hazardous waste shippers (including
storage, shipping, record keeping); and
 Requirements for hazardous waste treatment and disposal
facilities (including storage, shipping, record keeping)
6 Appendix (5) National This section of the PME regulations provides procedures,
Contingency Plan for requirements, roles and responsibilities for responding to an oil spill
Combating Marine and subsequent clean-up activities
Pollution by Oil and other
Harmful Substances
7 Appendix (6) The Kinds of This section of the PME regulations provides guidance of fines and
Contraventions and the penalties for various types of contraventions for water discharges, air
Sizes of the Fines emissions, waste management, etc.
The main requirements in the PME-GER in addition to undertaking the

environmental assessment applicable to this project are as summarized below:
 EIA/Permitting Requirements: As mentioned previously, the MinPet is the

licensing agency for all Saudi Aramco projects and facilities. Where required,
MinPet facilitates the review and approval of the project from related
government agencies. PME according to the GER is the competent agency on
environmental issues and can review and approve the feasibility of the project
in the context of the environmental assessment report.
 Air Quality: Ambient air quality requirements are provided in the

Environmental Protection Standards section of PME’s regulations of 2002.
PME has overall responsibility to ensure that ambient air quality in the
Kingdom is maintained within these standards. Table 2.2 below presents
PME’s ambient air quality standards as mentioned in the GER.
Table 2.2 Ambient Air Quality Standards for PME

Acceptable Maximum Number of Allowable
Pollutant Average Time Period
µg/m3(ppm) Exceedences
1-hour 730 (0.280) 2 per 30 days
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 24-hours 365 (0.140) 1 per year
Yearly 80 (0.030) 0
24-hours (10-micron) 340 1 per year
Inhalable Suspended
Particulates
Yearly (10-micron) 80 0
Photochemical Oxidants
1-hour 295 (0.150) 2 per any 30 days
(O3)
1-hour 40000 (35) 2 per any 30 days
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
8-hours 10000 (9) 2 per any 30 days
1-hour 200 (0.140) 1 per year
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
24-hours 40 (0.030) 1 per year
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Acceptable Maximum Number of Allowable

Pollutant Average Time Period
µg/m3(ppm) Exceedences
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Monthly 660 (0.35) 2 per any 30 days
Yearly 100 (0.050) 0
Fluorides (F-) Monthly 1 (0.001) 0
Ammonia (NH3) 1 hour 1800 (2.60) 1 per year
 Water Discharge: PME’s standards for wastewater are prescribed in Annex 1

of the GER (Environmental Protection Standards). Standards are provided
separately for discharge to a treatment plant and direct disposal on land or
marine environment. Additionally, the receiving water guidelines prescribe
the maximum allowable increase in baseline conditions as a result of the
discharge. Any discharge to sea or land must comply with the direct discharge
standards of PME provided in Table 2.3 below.
The pretreatment guidelines in the GER (refer Table 2.4) provides guidance
for the removal of substances that significantly affect the performance of the
central treatment facilities and substances that are not adequately controlled at
the central treatment plant. The wastewater discharge standards are developed
to control the quality of direct discharges from facilities operating in the
Kingdom. Discharges include any liquid effluents or process water which is
not classified as clean unpolluted surface runoff including runoff. This may
include but is not restricted to the following:
o Waste chemicals, including oils;
o Liquid process wastes;
o Detergents;
o Condensate water;
o Cooling water;
o Biodegradable substances;
o Wash water;
o Ballast water;
o Liquid wastes or wash waters, domestic sewage, wastewater discharged
using sinks, basins or toilets;
o Contaminated mine or quarry water;
o All sanitary wastewaters;
o Treated effluents from CTW (municipal and industrial); and
o Desalination reject water.
Ministry of Water and Electricity’s (MOWE) irrigation water quality

standards are also presented in Table 2.5 below.
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Table 2.3 PME’s Direct Discharge Standards

SL. Parameter PME Direct Discharge Standard (Monthly
No Average)
1 Floating Materials Nothing
2 pH 6-9 pH Units
3 Total Suspended Solids 15 mg/l (maximum limit)
Temperature PME shall determine characteristics in each case
4
separately
5 Turbidity 75 NTU Units
6 Bio-chemical oxygen Demand (BOD) 25 mg/l
6 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 150 mg/l
8 Total Organic Carbon (TOC) 150 mg/l
9 Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) 5 mg/l
Oil and Grease (O&G) 8 mg/l (provided it does not exceed 15 mg/l during
10
any single discharge)
11 Phenols 0.1 mg/l
12 Total Chlorinated Hydrocarbons 0.01 mg/l
Ammonia (as nitrogen), Copper, Total 1 mg/l
13
Cyanide, Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Zinc
14 Arsenic 0.1 mg/l
15 Cadmium 0.02mg/l
16 Residual Chlorine 0.5 mg/l
17 Total Chromium 1 mg/l
18 Copper 0.2 mg/l
19 Total Cyanide 0.05 mg/l
20 Lead 0.001 mg/l
21 Mercury 0.2 mg/l
22 Nickel, Total Phosphates and Zinc 1 mg/l
23 Total Coliforms 1000/MPN/1000
Table 2.4: PME’s Pre-Treatment Standards for Discharge to a Treatment Plant

SL. Parameter PME Pre Treatment Standard
No
1 Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 2000 mg/l
2 pH 5-10 pH Units
3 Temperature 60OC
4 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 1500 mg/l
5 Total Organic Carbon (TOC) 1000 mg/l
6 Oil and Grease (O&G) 120 mg/l
7 Phenol 150 mg/l
8 Total Chlorinated Hydrocarbons 0.5 mg/l
Arsenic, Cadmium, Total Chromium, A Maximum of 1mg/l for each contaminant
9 Copper, Total Cyanide, Lead, Mercury,
Nickel, Zinc
Table 2.5:Ministry of Water and Electricity (MOWE) Irrigation Water Quality Standards
Properties Maximum pollution
level (mg/Lt)
Suspended substances None
Total suspended substances (TSS) 40
Physical properties
pH 6-8.4
Biological oxygen demand (BOD5) 40
Turbidity 5.00 units
Chemo organic
Oils and greases none
properties
Phenol 0.002
Microorganism properties colibacillus 1000 cells/100ml
Chemical compounds Nitrates (No3-N) 10.0
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Properties Maximum pollution

level (mg/Lt)
properties
Ammonia (NH3-N) 5.0
Arsenic (As) 0.1
Beryllium (Be) 0.01
Boron (B) 0.75
Cadmium (Cd) 0.01
Free chlorine (CL2) (+) 0.5
Chromium (Cr) 0.1
Cobalt (Co) 0.05
Copper (Cu) 0.4
Fluoride (F) 1
Chemical Properties Iron (Fe) 5.0
Lead (Pb) 0.1
Lithium (Li) 2.5
Manganese (Mn) 0.2
Mercury (Hg) 0.001
Molybdenum (Mo) 0.01
Nickel (Ni) 0.02
Selenium (Se) 0.02
Vanadium (Va) 0.1
Zinc (Zn) 4.0
 Soil and Groundwater: PME has explicitly required that Projects implement
measures to prevent soil and groundwater contamination in Article 13 of the
GER. Additionally PME requires providing adequate safety measures around
excavated areas. Fines and penalties have been stipulated by PME for non
compliance to these requirements.
 Flora and Fauna: There are no explicitly identified PME requirements with
regard to the impact of the proposed pipeline project on the flora and fauna of
the area. However, PME is responsible for marine conservation and
environmental protection in the Kingdom. Further, PME’s requirements for
the general protection of the environment specified in Articles 6, 10, 11, 12,
and 13 of the GER maybe considered as applicable for protecting flora and
fauna resources.
Working closely with the PME on terrestrial, marine, and coastal biological
reserves is the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and
Development (NCWCD) which is tasked with developing and implementing
the national policy for conservation and protection of species and reserve
areas. PME with NCWCD has identified protected and conservation areas,
and works with the industry and other ministries for establishing regulations
and standards to prevent any damage to these areas.
Table 2.6 lists the protected areas while Figure 2.1 presents the geographic
location of the protected areas in the Kingdom.
July 23, 2014 26 | P a g e

Table 2.6: Protected Wildlife Areas Managed by NCWCD

Name of protected areas Date established Area (km2)
Harrat al Harrah 1986 13,775
Al - Khunfah 1986 18,875
Ibex Reserve (Al Wo’ol) 1987 2,369
Mahazat as - Sayd 1987 2,141
Umm al - Qamari 1987 1
Al - Tubayq 1988 12,200
Farasan Islands 1988 5,406,74
Raydah 1988 9
Majamiàl - Hadb 1991 2,743
Uruq Bani Maàrid 1992 11,980
Nafud al - Ùrayq 1994 1,960
At - Taysiyah 1994 4,260
Al - Jandaliyah 1994 1,160
Saja & Um Al-Rimth 1994 6,055
Jabal Shada Al A”lla 2001 67
Jubail (marine) (Not approved,by the 2,300
Ministerial Committee)
Figure 2.1: Protected Areas in Saudi Arabia
Source: (NCWCD 2009)
Additionally, terrestrial ecologic resources are protected by the Forestry and

Rangeland regulations (No 392, 18.04.1398H). The Ministry of Agriculture
has formulated the by-laws. These regulations cover the following issues:
 Forests in fragile habitats susceptible to deterioration cannot be exploited.
 Forest areas in valley bottoms cannot be exploited for farming.
 Areas with more than 40% slope cannot be cropped or cleared.
 Areas used as control of sand encroachment cannot be exploited.
July 23, 2014 27 | P a g e

 Tree cutting and uprooting of plants in their native habitats for fuel are
regulated.
 Only projects with special permits from the Ministry of Agriculture and
Water are allowed to cut plants for specific needs.
 Burning is completely forbidden in forest and range lands.
 Land Use and Population: No explicit regulations have been prescribed

governing local communities by the PME. However the intention of the
regulations is to ensure that all projects and facilities in the Kingdom are
operated taking effects on population into consideration.
 Waste Management: PME, as the regulatory authority, is tasked with

overseeing the waste management programme in the Kingdom and its
responsibilities include establishing policy, procedures and standards, periodic
review of waste management practices, and evaluating and approving disposal
and treatment facilities. PME'S requirements for waste management are
provided in Article 12 and in the Hazardous and Waste Rules and Procedures
of the General Environmental Regulations in Annex 4 of the GER and must
be complied with in the project.
 Noise: In March 2012, PME issued the national environmental standards for
noise related to ambient levels at community facilities, industrial facilities,
construction activities, vehicles and from outdoor equipment (Table 2.7).
As per Article VI of the national standard for noise, at sites where an EIA is to
be undertaken, the maximum limits for noise is prescribed in Table 2.8.
However, when the prescribed noise levels at the construction site are likely to
exceed these limits, a noise permit will be required from the competent
agency. In exceptional cases (i.e. project is deemed to provide significant
social benefit and where the application of these construction noise standards
will cause excessive cost or disruption to the realization of that social benefit),
the Competent Authority may issue a conditional exemption permit which
displays due consideration to these factors for permanent or temporary
construction activities.
In addition, this standard has prescribed noise emission limits for outdoor
equipment used in public and private areas. These limits are applied to all
equipment first purchased on or after January 1st, 2008 (refer Table 2.9).
For the construction phase of the Project, emitted noise from the construction
phase activities should be carried out in compliance with the prescribed
environmental noise standards.
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Table 2.7: Permitted Free-field External Noise Limits for Community Noise, Measured at any Noise
Sensitive Property within the Appropriate Area Designation
Designation Day Evening Night
LAeq,T(dB LAeq,T(dB) LAeq,T(dB)
)
A - Sensitive areas: Designated quiet areas as they hold
value in terms of them being places of worship, important
tourist attractions, recreational park land and those areas 50 45 40
surrounding hospitals, schools and noise sensitive natural
habitats.
B - Mixed areas: Dominated by residential properties - 55 50 45
including hostels and hotels- and may range from sparse
population densities to suburban districts of cities.
C - Non-sensitive area: Applies to mixed areas, often
within cities where there is a mix of residential and 60 55 50
commercial activities, retail and financial districts.
Table 2.8: Maximum Permissible Noise Limits at Construction Sites

Area classification Daytime LAeq,T (dB) Evening LAeq,T (dB) Night-time LAeq,T (dB)
12h 5m 12h 5m 12h 5m
A, B, C 75 80 65 70 45 50
D 80 - 80 - 80 -
Note:
A : Quiet areas – These areas are designated quiet areas (worship, important tourist attractions,
recreational park land and areas surrounding hospitals, schools and noise sensitive natural habitats)
B: Sensitive – typically dominated by residential properties (including hostels and hotels) and may range
from sparse population densities to suburban districts of cities.
C : Mixed –mixed areas, often within cities where there is a mix of residential and commercial activities,
and retail and financial districts.
D: Non-sensitive –Industrial area where there are few residential properties and commercial premises,
industrial cities and land that is generally unpopulated.
Table 2.9: Maximum Permissible Levels for Noise from Outdoor Equipment
Net installed power, P Permissible Guideline sound
(kW), Electric power, Pel(1) sound power power level (dB/1
Type of equipment (kW), Mass of appliance, level (dB/1 pW)
m (kg), Cutting width, L pW)
(cm)
Compaction machines (vibrating P≤8 108 105

rollers, vibratory plates, vibratory
8<P≤70 109 106
rammers)
P>70 89 +11 lg P 86+11 lg P
Tracked dozers, loaders and P≤55 106 103
excavator-loaders
P>55 87 +11 lg P 84 +11 lg P
Excavators and winches, hoists and P≤15 96 93
motor hoes
P>15 83 +11 lg P 80 +11 lg P
Tower cranes 98 + lg P 95 + lg P
Pel≤2 97 + lg Pel 95 + lg Pel
Welding and power generators 2<Pel≤10 98 + lg Pel 96 + lg Pel
Pel>10 97 + lg Pel 95 + lg Pel
Compressors P≤15 99 97
P>15 97 +2 lg P 95 +2 lg P
July 23, 2014 29 | P a g e

Net installed power, P Permissible Guideline sound

(kW), Electric power, Pel(1) sound power power level (dB/1
Type of equipment (kW), Mass of appliance, level (dB/1 pW)
m (kg), Cutting width, L pW)
(cm)
Hand-held concrete breakers and m≤15 107 105
picks 15<m≤30 94 +11 lg m 92 +11 lg m
m>30 96 +11 lg m 94 +11 lg m
Wheeled dozers, loaders, excavator-
loaders, dumpers, graders, loader
P≤55 104 101
type landfill compactors,
combustion-engine driven
counterbalanced lift trucks, mobile
cranes, compaction machines (non-
vibrating rollers), paver-finishers, P>55 85 +11 lg P 82 +11 lg P
hydraulic power packs
L≤50 96 94
Lawn mowers / lawn trimmers 50<L≤70 100 98
70<L≤120 100 98
L>120 105 103
2.3 Environmental Management Requirements of Saudi Aramco

A formal EIA study is mandatory for all Saudi Aramco projects. The assessment
is carried out to comply with the company’s commitment to the protection of the
environment as stated in the Environmental Policy. The SAEP 13 procedure
provides specific guidelines on undertaking the assessment. The other related
procedures, guidelines and standards are summarized in Table 2.10 below.
Table 2.10: Saudi Aramco Standards Applicable to the Project

Sl. Category Procedure/Standard
No.
1 Saudi Aramco Policy Statement Environmental Conservation Policy
No. Int-5 – Environmental
Conservation
2 Saudi Aramco Policy Statement Water Conservation Policy
No. Int 11
3 Saudi Aramco Engineering  SAEP – 12 Project Execution Plan
Procedures  SAEP – 13 Project Environmental Impact Assessments
 SAEP – 327 – Disposal of wastewater from cleaning,
flushing and dewatering pipelines and vessels
 SAEP 370 Transportation of Radioactive Material
 SAEP 1141 Radiation Protection for Industrial
Radiography
4 Saudi Aramco Engineering  SAES – A – 007 Hydrostatic Testing Fluids and Lay-up
Standards Procedures;
 SAES – A – 102 Ambient Air Quality and Source
Emissions Standards
 SAES – A – 104 Wastewater Treatment, Re-use and
Disposal
 SAES – A – 105 Noise Control
 SAES – A – 114 Excavation and Backfill
 SAES – A – 400 Industrial Drainage Systems
 SAES – S – 007 Solid Waste Landfill Standard
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Sl. Category Procedure/Standard

No.
 SASC – S - 01 Water
 SASC – S – 02 Sanitary Wastewater and Sewerage
Systems
 SASC – S – 03 Solid Waste Management
 SASC – S – 07 Camps and Communal Living Facilities
 SASC – S – 19 Community & Environmental Noise
 SAES – Z – 003 Pipelines Leak Detection System
 SAES – B – 064 Onshore and Nearshore Pipeline Safety
 SAES – L – 410 Design of Pipelines
 SAES – L – 420 Scraper Trap Station and Appurtenances
 SAES – L – 440 Anchors for Buried Pipelines
 SAES – L – 450 Construction of On-Land and Near-Shore
Pipelines
 SAES – L – 460 Pipeline Crossings Under Roads and
Railroads
 SAES – M – 006 Saudi Aramco Security and General
Purpose Fencing
 SAES – X – 400 Cathodic Protection of Buried Pipelines
5 Saudi Aramco General  GI-0002.714 Environmental Conservation Policy
Instructions Implementation
 GI-0150.000 Implementing Occupational Health Aspects
of Loss Prevention Policy
 GI-150.003 Ionizing Radiation Protection
 GI-0151.006 Implementing the Saudi Aramco Sanitary
Code
 GI-0430.001 Waste Management
 GI-150.001 Asbestos Hazard Management
 GI-2.718
 GI.298
6 Saudi Aramco Materials  CU 22.03 Processing & Handling of Hazardous Materials
Instructions
7 Saudi Arabian Environmental  Royal Decree M34 – General Environmental Regulations,
Regulations Presidency of Meteorology and Environment
(Source: Saudi Aramco’s SAEP 13 Procedure for Project Environmental Assessments)
July 23, 2014 31 | P a g e

3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 Project Location
The proposed Fadhili Gas Plant (FGP) will be located approximately 8 km from
the multi-lane, Abu Hadriyah government highway that connects to the port city
of Dammam. Jubail Industrial City is located approximately 41 km to the east of
the FGP while Abqaiq and Fardhinyah villages are approximately 120 km to the
south (refer Figure 3.1).
At present, there are no paved roads that connect the FGP site to the Abu
Hadriyah Highway. The proposed pipelines will be constructed in existing Saudi
Aramco corridors and parallel to existing pipelines.
Figure 3.1: Fadhili Downstream Pipelines Project Locations in Saudi Arabia
The 204 km-long, 56” FDEWG-1 sales gas pipeline will mainly be installed in a
new corridor and will partially be routed along with existing trunkline at Fadhili
reservation area and existing East-West corridor (refer Figure 3.2). The pipeline
will start from the scraper traps area of FGP and terminate at the existing scraper
trap area of the existing East-West Pumping Station No 1 (EWPS-1).
The 32 km long FDKG-1 sales gas pipeline will be installed from the scraper
launcher approximately 3.5 km from the Wasit Gas Plant (WGP) (km 122 of the
KRT corridor) and will end at the scraper receiver at FGP (refer Figure 3.3). The
proposed pipeline will be installed in the existing KRT corridor. The pipeline will
traverse areas adjacent to the future railroad track at the KRT corridor and field
offices at KGP upstream and downstream pipeline corridor and will enter the FGP
upstream and downstream pipeline corridor.
The 34 km FDWTG-1 sour gas pipeline will be installed from the scraper
launcher at the WGP trap area and will end at the scraper receiver at the FGP trap
area (refer Figure 3.5).
July 23, 2014 32 | P a g e

The 34 km FDWDL-1 heavy diesel oil pipeline will be installed from the scraper
launcher at the FGP trap area and will end at the scraper receiver at the WGP trap
area (refer Figure 3.7).
The proposed FDWTG-1 and FDWDL-1 pipelines that will start/end at WGP will
run through the KRT corridor and will utilize the same pipeline route as the
FDKG-1 pipeline.
The 34 km utility water pipeline will be installed at WGP and will end at FGP.
The pipeline will pass through the KRT corridor adjacent to the FDKG-1,
FDWTG-1 and FDWDL-1 pipelines (refer Figure 3.9).
Figure 3.2: FDEWG-1 Sales Gas Pipeline General Route Location
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Figure 3.3: FDKG-1 Pipeline General Route Location
Figure 3.4: FDKG-1 Pipeline General Route Location (Google Map View)
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Figure 3.5: FDWTG-1 Pipeline General Route Location
Figure 3.6: FDWTG-1 Pipeline General Route Location (Google Map View)
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Figure 3.7: FDWDL-1 Pipeline General Route Location
Figure 3.8: FDWDL-1 Pipeline General Route Location (Google Map View)
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Figure 3.9: Utility Water Pipeline General Route Location
3.2 Project Objective

The project is part of the Fadhili Development Program, the primary objective of
which is to support corporate strategy to meet the in-Kingdom sales gas demand
and to reduce crude oil burning. The Fadhili Development Program will provide
grassroots facilities for gas sweetening, dehydration, sulfur recovery, sulfur
handling and storage, sales gas delivery, cogeneration facilities, electrical and
non-electrical utilities, and industrial support facilities to process a total sales gas
volume of 1,500 MMSCFD (500 MMSCFD from Khursaniyah onshore and 1,000
MMSCFD from Hasbah offshore non-associated sour gas [800 MMSCFD from
Hasbah II and 200 MMSCFD from WGP]).
This capacity will be utilized on a continuous basis to process 500 MMSCFD

from Khursaniyah and 1,000 MMSCFD from Hasbah to produce 765 MMSCFD
of sales gas and 2,300 MTD of sulfur to meet a portion of the forecasted peak
sales gas demand and reduce crude oil burning.
3.3 Project Justification

At present, sales gas is produced from Berri (BGP), Hawiyah (HGP), Haradh
(HDGP), Shedgum (ShGP), Uthmaniyah (UGP), and Khursaniyah (KGP) Gas
Plants. Sales gas is transported through a number of large diameter pipelines:
UBTG-1-2-3-4, UJNGL-1, HUG-1, HDUG-1, SJGT-1, KBG-1-2, KRZTG-1,
BJBFG-1-2, EWG-1, AY-1 and SRG-1-2; known as the MGS along the Eastern
Region and to the Central and Western Regional areas in the Kingdom.
There are no sales gas pipelines available for transportation from FGP to the East-
West Pipeline Corridor and MGS.
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Existing and new sales gas customers in the Jubail area, Ras Al-Khair, Central
Region, and Western Region are increasing the overall demand volumes, which
will be partially met when Wasit Gas Plant (WGP) starts sales gas delivery in
2015.
At present, the forecasted peak sales gas demand will increase from 8,960
MMSCFD in 2013 to 10,966 MMSCFD in 2018 and 12,250 MMSCFD in 2020.
The current crude burning in dual fuel power plants (during the same period) is
expected to be 160,000 BPD. Based on the third-quarter 2016 sales gas
demand/supply forecast, approximately 9.725 of BSCFD of sales gas at 1080
BTU/Scf CD will be available to meet the demand forecast.
Therefore, Saudi Aramco has identified the development of Khursaniyah and

Hasbah non-associated gas fields as the most economical alternative to meet the
additional sales gas requirement and to reduce crude burning.
3.4 Project Description

The project will involve the construction of pipelines and associated facilities to
transfer sales gas, sour gas, HDO and water between Saudi Aramco facilities in
the Eastern Province.
The proposed facilities under BI-10-01904 (Fadhili Downstream Pipelines) will

consist of five pipelines to transport:
 765 MMSCFD of sales gas from FGP
 500 to 1,500 MMSCFD of sales gas from Wasit and Khursaniyah Gas
Pipelines to East West MGS
 500 MMSCFD of sour gas from WGP to FGP
 1,200 BPD of heavy diesel oil (HDO) from WGP to FGP; and
 15,000 m3/day of utility water from WGP to FGP
Table 3.1: Design Parameters for Fadhili Downstream Pipelines Project

Description Units FDEWG-1 FDKG-1 FDWTG-1 FDWDL-1 Utility Line
Product Sales Gas Sales Gas Sour Gas HDO Utility
Water
Pipeline Data
Approximate Km 204 32 34 34 34
Pipeline
Length
Pipeline Size Inch OD 56 56 24 3 18
Maximum 1,500 1,500 500 1,200 BPD 15,000
Design Flow MMSCFD MMSCFD MMSCFD m3/day
Rate
July 23, 2014 38 | P a g e

3.4.1 Project Design Objectives

The pipelines will be designed to provide sufficient pipeline capacity to maintain
reliability of the MGS, by providing an eight hour survival time for all sales gas
customers, based on OSPAS operating requirements. The brief design objective of
each proposed pipeline is as follows:
FDEWG-1 Sales Gas Pipeline (204 km): Approximately 500 to 1,500 MMSCFD
of sales gas will be added by the 56”, 204 km-long FDEWG-1 pipeline to the
MGS, from FGP to EWPS-1.
The pipeline will have a scraper launcher at FGP and as scraper receiver at
EWPS-1.
FDKG-1 Sales Gas Pipeline (32 km): Approximately 500 to 1,500 MMSCFD of
Northern Area sales gas will be added by the 56”, 32 km-long FDKG-1 pipeline
to the western MGS region. The pipeline will start at km 3.5 of WGP (km 122 of
KRT corridor) and will join with FDEWG-1 at FGP.
The pipeline will have a jump over from the WBG-1 pipeline, and jump overs
from the KBG-1 and KBG-2 pipelines at km 3.5 of WGP in the KRT corridor.
The pipeline will have scraper traps at km 3.5 and FGP, and a valve station at km
22.
FDWTG-1 Sour Gas Pipeline (34 km): The 24”, 34 km-long FDWTG-1 pipeline
will have a design flow rate of 500 MMSCFD and a normal flow rate of 200
MMSCFD of sour gas from WGP to FGP (for treatment). The higher flow rate
will be managed as per gas demand and/or T&I and the pipeline will be used to
balance the WGP flow capacity during peak time (summer).
The pipeline will have scraper traps at WGP and FGP and one valve station at km
16. The pipeline will be FBE coated internally and as liquid accumulation and
hydrate formation is expected, methanol injection will be recommended to
prevent hydrate formation.
FDWDL-1 Heavy Diesel Oil (HDO) Pipeline (34 km): The 3”, 34 km-long
FDWDL-1 pipeline will be capable of transporting 1,200 BPD of HDO from the
FGP’s processing unit to WGP, for further treatment. and a normal flow rate of
200 MMSCFD of sour gas from WGP to FGP (for treatment). The higher flow
rate will be managed as per gas demand and/or T&I and the pipeline will be used
to balance the WGP flow capacity during peak time (summer).
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The pipeline will have scraper traps at FGP and WGP Scraper Trap Areas with a
valve station at km 16. The pipeline will be of RTP (Reinforced Thermoplastic
Pipe) material in order to mitigate the risk of corrosion (as low velocities will lead
to improper mixing of corrosion inhibitor resulting in localized corrosion on the
pipe bottom due to sour service in presence of water).
Utility Water Pipeline (34 km): The 18”, 34 km-long Utility Water pipeline will
be designed to transport 15,000 m3/day (94,350 BPD) of utility water supply to
FGP. The pipeline will meet the FGP’s utility water demand and maintain
reliable supply.
The present proposal is to obtain water from the Industrial Water Setting Sumps
at WGP. At present 4,587 GPM (25,000 m3/day) of industrial water is supplied
through a 30” pipeline from Marafiq to WGP and is stored at the Industrial Water
sumps. While the WGP demand is 1,835 GPM (10,000 m3/day), the spare 2,752
GPM (15,000 m3/day) will be supplied to FGP.
Two new centrifugal, submersible type utility pumps will be provided at the
existing WGP sump pits to transfer utility water to FGP.
3.4.2 Project Facilities Description

3.4.2.1 FDEWG-1 Sales Gas Pipeline
The FDWEG-1 pipeline will mainly be installed in a new corridor with partially
routing along the existing trunkline at the Fadhili reservation area and existing
East-West corridor. The pipeline components will include the following:
56”, 204 km-long FDEWG-1 Pipeline

The new cross-country pipeline will transport 500 MMSCFD to 1,500 MMSCFD
at 1080 btu/scf sales gas to EWPS-1 and MGS pipelines that supply sales gas to
Central and Western regions. The pipeline will be buried in sand and berm
construction. Construction will be in 60% sand, 30% hard soil and 10% semi-rock
(to be confirmed during Project Proposal).
56” Scraper Launcher Facility at FGP Scraper Trap Area at km 0

 The instrumented scraper launcher will be 56-in line x 64-in barrel.
 There will be two trap isolation valves, 56-in, 600# ANSI motor operated
flanged type ball valves (MOV), full bore.
 There will be two trap lateral/tie-line valves, 56-in, 600# ANSI motor
operated flanged type ball valve (MOV).
 There will be one 30-in, 600# ANSI plug valve MOV as kicker valve, and
one 30-in, 600# ANSI plug valve MOV as block valve.
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 Wash water, blowdown and drain piping will be connected to the FGP
system.
 Fire water system will be connected to the FGP fire water network.
 Installation of a new 480V switchrack for MOV, lighting and accessories
near scraper trap area.
 Scraper handling equipment will include jib crane (5 tons capacity), electric
motor chain hoist (10 ton capacity), and a 10 ton cradle and a pad mounted
electric motor winch operated, rolling scraper loader.
56” Intermediate Scraper Receiver Facility at EWPS-1 for FDEWG-1 at km 204

 The instrumented scraper receiver facility will be located within the East
West Pipeline Corridor.
 The receiver facility will be located adjacent to the existing SRG-1/SRG-2
receiver/launcher facilities at EWPS-1; and expansion of the existing security
fencing and site will be required.
 The instrumented receiver will be a 56-in line x 64-in barrel.
 There will be one trap lateral/tie-in valve, 56-in, 600# ANSI motor operated
flanged type ball valve (MOV).
 Wash water will be connected to the existing raw water system in the scraper
trap area. Blowdown and drain piping will be installed.
 Scraper trap blowdowns will be connected with the new burn pit that will be
equipped with a self-ignition system and propane bottles as backup.
 Installation of a new 480V switchrack for MOV, lighting and accessories
near the scraper trap area.
Installation of Eight (8) Mainline Isolation Valve Stations

 The eight, 56-in mainline valves will be flanged end, full-bore ball valves.
Each mainline valve will be fitted with a 40-in full flow bypass and will be
above grade.
 Each mainline valve site will include a new burn pit facility associated with
FDEWG-1 valve sites. Each burn pit that will be equipped with a self-
ignition system and propane bottles as backup.
 Each mainline valve site will require a new RTU.
 Installation of one 56” lateral piping connection to SRG-3 pipeline at EWPS-
1.
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 Installation of one 56” lateral line connection to BGCS-1 suction.

 Installation of one 48” lateral line connection to SRG-2 lateral line with a
new 48” valve.
 Installation of 480V switchracks, lightings and accessories near valve
stations, for MOV Valve Stations.
Burn Pits
 Each valve station will have emergency pits for emergency depressurization.
 Traps at FGP will be connected with the existing HP flare header.
 Traps at EWPS-1 will have a new burn pit or will utilize an existing burn pit.
 Each new burn pit will be equipped with self-ignition (high energy ignition –
HEI) system and propane bottles as backup.
 All burn pits will be lined with a suitable, non-combustible material, i.e. 60
cm low permeability compacted marl and will be designed as per SAES-F-
007.
Road Crossings
 Based on a survey the route and number, type and length of road crossings
will be determined for FDEWG-1. There are approximately five (5) road
crossings along the pipeline route.
General
 The FDEWG-1 pipeline will have a cathodic protection system, the same as
for the existing MGS pipelines.
 The FDEWG-1 pipeline will be hydro tested as part of the pre-
commissioning activity.
 FDEWG-1 will be chemically cleaned prior to commissioning.
 The FDEWG-1 pipeline will have a leak detection system (LDS) similar to
the existing SRG-1/SRG-2/EWG-1 Sales Gas pipelines.
3.4.2.2 FDKG-1 Sales Gas Pipeline

The FDKG-1 pipeline components will include the following:
56”, 32 km-long FDKG-1 Pipeline (from WBG/KBG Pipelines to FGP)

The new pipeline will transport 500 MMSCFD to 1,500 MMSCFD of Northern
Area Sales Gas to the Western MGS region through the FDEWG-1 pipeline. The
FDKG-1 pipeline will start at km 122 of KRT corridor and co-mingle with
FDEWG-1 at FGP. The pipeline will be buried in sand and berm construction.
Construction will be in 60% sand, 30% hard soil and 10% semi-rock (to be
confirmed during Project Proposal).
July 23, 2014 42 | P a g e

Table 3.3: FDKG-1 Pipeline Piping Class Length in Different Corridors

WBG/KBG to FGP Sales Gas Line 56-in X70 960 Class-1 Class-II Class-III
MAOP Length km km km
(km)
FDKG-1 32 16 5.5 10.5
56” Instrumented Scraper Launcher Facility at KRT Corridor km 122

 The instrumented scraper launcher will be 56-in line x 64-in barrel.
 There will be two lateral valves, 56-in, 600# ANSI motor operated flanged
type ball valve (MOV).
 Wash water, blowdown and drain piping will be connected to new systems at
this location.
56” Instrumented Scraper Receiver Facility at FGP Inlet Area next to FDEWG-1
Launcher
 The instrumented receiver will be 56-in line x 64-in barrel.
 There will be one trap lateral valve, 56-in, 600# ANSI motor operated
 There will be a 30” tie-in valve connection with blind flange for the Co-GEN
(BI-10-01881) unit at FGP.
 Wash water, blowdown and drain piping will be connected to FGP headers.
 There will be installation of a 56” jumpover to the proposed FDEWG-1
lateral line, with a length of approximately 50 m above grade plant piping.
Hot Tap on WBG-1 at km 122 of KRT Corridor: Installation of 40 x 56” Tie-in on

WBG-1 56” Pipeline
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 Each hot tap includes L-O-R flange, welding split tee; one 40”, 600# full bore
ball valve and mating flanges for hot tap machine; blind flange.
Hot Tap at km 122 of KRT Corridor on KBG-1 and KBG-2 Sales Gas Pipelines:
Installation of two 40 x 40” Hot Taps on KBG-1 and KBG-2 Pipelines
 Each hot tap includes L-O-R flange, welding split tee; one 40”, 600# full bore
ball valve and mating flanges for hot tap machine; blind flange.
Jump-Overs at KBG-1 and WBG-1: Installation of new 40” Jump-Overs from

KBG-1, KBG-2 and WBG-1 Tie-in Hot Taps to FDKG-1 Pipeline
 Two each, 40” 600# motor operated block ball valves.
 Two sets of 40” 600# flanges and gaskets.
 40” x 0.654 in w.t. API-5L X70 pipe.
 Power requirements for site to be provided from existing switchrack at km
122 of KRT corridor.
Installation of One (1) Mainline Isolation Valve Stations

 The 56-in mainline valve will be flanged end, full-bore ball valve. The
mainline valve will be fitted with a 40-in full flow bypass and will be above
grade.
 The mainline valve will require a new RTU.
 Installation of filters, knock out drums and associated piping and instruments
for GOV operation.
Installation of Sweep Gas Connection Line (12”) for FDWTG-1 Line in FGP Trap
Area
 Installation of a 12” MOV valve on FDKG-1 lateral line in FGP trap area
with connection to FDWTG-1 lateral line by installation of 12” line to serve
as sweep/purge gas for FDWTG-1 line.
Burn Pits
 There will be no burn pit at the valve station. Depressurization of the section
will be through plants. As there is only one valve station in FDKG-1, the
pressurization of the pipe segment between the valve station and FGP will be
depressurized from FGP, and pipe segment between valve station and km 122
of KRT corridor will be depressurized from km 122 of KRT corridor.
 A new burn pit at km122 of KRT corridor (km 3.5 of WGP) will be
equipped with self-ignition system and propane bottles as backup.
 All burn pits will be lined with a suitable, non-combustible material, i.e. 60
cm low permeability compacted marl and will be designed as per SAES-F-
007
Road Crossings
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 Installation of three (3) thrust bore road crossings (major highways),

approximately 150 m long.
 Installation of one (1) open cut road crossings (roadway/highways),
 Installation of one (1) thrust bore railroad crossing, approximately 100 m
long with casing.
General
 The FDKG-1 pipeline will have a cathodic protection system, the same as for
the existing MGS pipelines.
 The FDKG-1 pipeline will be hydro tested as part of the pre-commissioning
activity.
 FDKG-1 will be chemically cleaned prior to commissioning.
 The FDKG-1 pipeline will have a leak detection system (LDS) similar to the
existing SRG-1/SRG-2/EWG-1 Sales Gas pipelines.
3.4.2.3 FDWTG-1 Sour Gas Transfer Pipeline

The 34 km FDWTG-1 sour gas pipeline will pass from WGP to FGP (via KRT
corridor) where it will be combined with Hasbah-II Sour Gas and flashes into the
slug catcher. Pipeline components will include the following:
24”, 34 km-long FDWTG-1 Pipeline (from WGP to FGP)

The new 34 km-long cross-country Class III pipeline will be 24” OD x 0.643 in
wt. API 5L X65 internally FBE coated. The pipeline will be buried in sand berm
Table 3.4: FDWTG-1 Pipeline Piping Class Length in KRT Corridor

WBG to FGP Sour Gas Line 28-in, Internally Class-1 Class-II Class-III
FBE Coated X65 km km km
1100 MAOP
Length (km)
24 “ FDWTG-1 34 34
28”, Internally FBE Coated, 600# ANSI-1100 MOAP, Instrumented Scraper

Launcher Facility inside WGP Scraper Trap Area
 The instrumented scraper launcher will be located within WGP scraper trap
area and will be a 28-in line x 36-in barrel.
 There will be one lateral valve, 28-in, 600# ANSI motor operated flanged
July 23, 2014 45 | P a g e

 There will be one 10-in, 600# ANSI plug valve, manual gear operated as
kicker valve, and one 10-in, 600# ANSI plug valve manual gear operated
valve as block valve.
 A vent valve will be connected with the flare header of WGP for FDWTG-1
scraper trap. The vent line will be connected with the HP flare header to
WGP.
 Fire water, wash water, blowdown and drain piping will be connected to
existing systems of WGP.
 A 480V switchrack will provide power supply to the scraper trap area for
MOV, lighting and accessories at WGP.
 Scraper handling equipment will include electric jib crane (2 tons capacity),
electric motor chain hoist (10 ton capacity), and a 10 ton cradle and a pad
mounted electric motor winch operated, rolling scraper loader.
28” Instrumented Scraper Receiver Facility inside FGP Scraper Trap Area
 The instrumented scraper receiver will be located within the proposed FGP
scraper trap area and will be a 28-in line x 36-in barrel.
 There will be one trap lateral valve, 28-in, 600# ANSI motor operated
 There will be one 10-in, 600# ANSI plug valve, manual gear operated as
kicker valve, and one 10-in, 600# ANSI plug valve, manual gear operated as
block valve.
 The vent valve will be connected to the flare header at FGP for FDWTG-1
scraper trap. The vent line will be connected with the HP flare header of
FGP.
 Fire water, wash water, blowdown and drain piping will be connected to FGP
headers.
 There will be installation of a 56” jumpover to the proposed FDEWG-1
lateral line, with a length of approximately 50 m above grade plant piping.
Installation of One (1) Mainline Isolation Valve Station

grade.
 The mainline valve will require a new RTU which will be shared with the
FDWDL-1 valve station.
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 Installation of filters, knock out drums and associated piping and instruments
for GOV operation.
Burn Pits
 There will be no burn pit at the valve station. Depressurization of the section
will be through plants. As there is only one valve station in FDWTG-1, the
pressurization of the pipe segment between the valve station and FGP will be
depressurized from FGP, and pipe segment between valve station and WGP
will be depressurized from WGP.
Tie-in for FDWTG-1 Pipeline at WGP

 Connection to the existing 24” x 600# tie-in flange connection and MOV
valve will be provided by BI-10-00914, downstream of the inlet slug catcher
at the 60” header at WGP.
 To control flow through FDWTG-1 during peak load, flow control valve will
be provided.
Installation of Methanol Injection Skid

 To avoid hydrate formation in the FDWTG-1 pipeline, a methanol injection
skid will be installed at WGP.
 Installation of a 4” tie-in with a gate valve and blind flange from the
discharge header at the existing methanol unloading pump.
Installation of Chemical Injection Skid

 A new chemical injection skid will be installed for chemical dosing in the
FDWTG-1 pipeline.
 Installation of a 3” tie-in with a gate valve and blind flange from the
discharge header of the existing swing line corrosion inhibitor unloading
pump.
Installation of a 12” Sweet Gas Purge Connection at FGP

 12” sweet gas purge connection with isolation valve.
 Connection of the 12” line from FDKG-1 at FGP in trap area.
Road Crossings
 Installation of two (2) thrust bore railroad crossing, approximately 50 m long
with casing.
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3.4.2.4 FDWDL-1 HDO Pipeline

The 34 km heavy diesel oil (HDO) FDWDL-1 pipeline will transport rich HDO
from the FGP processing unit to WGP for further treatment. The pipeline will be
capable of transferring 1,200 BPD of HDO to WGP. Pipeline components will
include the following:
3”, 34 km-long FDWDL-1 Pipeline (from FGP to WGP)

The new 34 km-long Class III pipeline will be 3” OD x 0.365-in wt. RTP
(reinforced thermoplastic pipe). The pipeline will be buried in sand berm
3”, 150# ANSI, Instrumented Scraper Launcher Facility inside FGP Scraper Trap
Area
 The instrumented scraper launcher will be located within the proposed FGP
scraper trap area and will be a 3-in line x 5-in barrel.
 There will be one trap isolation valve, 3-in, 150# ANSI gear/hand operated
flanged type ball valve, full bore.
 There will be one 2-in, 150# ANSI plug valve as kicker valve, and one 2-in,
150# ANSI plug valve as block valve, gear/hand operated.
 There will be one trap lateral valve ,3”, 150# ANSI motor operated flanged
 Fire water, wash water, blowdown and drain piping will be connected to the
FGP system.
3” Instrumented Scraper Receiver Facility inside at WGP

 The instrumented scraper receiver will be a 3-in line x 5-in barrel.
 There will be one trap isolation valve, 3-in, 150# ANSI gear/hand operated
flanged type ball valve, full bore.
 There will be one trap lateral valve, 3-in, 150# ANSI motor operated flanged
type ball valve.
 There will be one 2-in, 150# ANSI plug valve as kicker valve, and one 2-in,
50# ANSI plug valve as block valve, gear/hand operated.
 The vent valve will be connected to the flare header at FGP for FDWTG-1
scraper trap. The vent line will be connected with the HP flare header of
FGP.
 Fire water, wash water, blowdown and drain piping will be connected to the
existing WGP system.
 Power supply to the scraper trap area will be from an existing 480V
switchrack for MOV, lighting and accessories at WGP.
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Installation of One (1) Mainline Isolation Valve Station

grade.
 There will be no sump pit at the valve station. Blowdown of the section will
be through plants. Since there will be only one valve station at FDWDL-1,
the pipe segment blowdown between the valve station and FGP will be
drained from FGP and the pipe segment between the valve station and WGP
will be drained from WGP.
 There will be installation of one tie-in connection and 3” valve on the 4”
main line going to the rich HDO filters. The tie-in flange and isolation valve
will be made available by BI-10-00914 at WGP.
Road Crossings
with casing.
3.4.2.5 RTR Utility Water Pipeline

The 34 km-long Nonmetallic RTR 18” pipeline will transport water from WGP to
FGP. Pipeline components will include the following:
18”, 34 km-long RTR Utility Water Pipeline (from WGP to FGP)

The new 18” diameter, 34 km-long pipeline will be buried in sand berm
construction. Construction will be in 60% sand, 30% hard soil and 10% semi-
rock (to be confirmed during Project Proposal). There is no valve station along
the pipeline and SAES-S-070 (Installation of Utility Piping Systems) standard
will be used for the installation of the pipeline.
WGP Facilities
 Installation of New Water Transfer Pumps
 Installation of four new pumps (2,752 GPM each), 450 HP submersible
centrifugal type pumps, two on each industrial water settling sump, one
online and one spare at WGP.
 Installation of a new recycle line with flow transmitter and control valve at
the discharge line of the existing industrial water transfer pumps.
 Installation of individual 16” pump discharge lines with discharge valves
to an 18” discharge header.
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 Power supply to the pump motors will be supplied from the existing
Substation #250, 4.16KV source at WGP.
 Installation of New Piping Inside WGP

 Installation of 16” lateral line from discharge header to 18” mainline with
lateral valve.
 Provision for future temporary scraper trap leaving the 18” trap isolation
valve and 6” kicker valve.
 Installation of 18” pipeline from the trap area to WGP battery limit going
to FGP.
FGP Facilities
 Installation of New Water Transfer Pumps
 Installation of 16” lateral line with lateral valve with blind flange for BI-
10-1900 connection.
 Installation of 10” valve with blind flange for residential camp (BI-10-
01905).
 Installation of 10” valve with blind flange for Co-GEN (BI-10-1881).
 Provision for future temporary scraper trap leaving the 18” trap valve and
6” kicker valve.
Instrumentation and Control

 Installation of a magnetic type flow meter, receiving tank level instruments,
motor operated isolation valves and flow control valves at the FGP tie-in.
 Dedicated vibration monitoring system and emergency shutdown system for
the control and protection of water pumps at WGP.
 New RTU at the WGP tie-in location to transmit signals to FGP DCS and to
WGP DCS.
Road Crossings
with casing.
3.4.2.6 Process Automation Systems

Field Instruments
Scraper launcher and receiver equipment will be installed at pipeline trap
facilities. All required instrumentation to monitor new equipment will be provided
July 23, 2014 50 | P a g e

by this project. All new instrumentation will be connected to the DCS/RTU and
signals transmitted to OSPAS OCC where required.
 Installation of pressure, temperature and scraper passage indicating
instruments at each mainline valve station and at each scraper trap location.
 H2S and LEL detectors at scraper trap locations for the FDWTG-1 and
FDWDL-1 pipelines.
 Corrosion monitoring probes at scraper receiver locations for the FDWTG-1
and FDWDL-1 pipelines.
 Flow control valves and flow transmitters at WGP, downstream of the sour
gas tie-in, for FDWTG-1 pipeline.
Leak Detection Systems (LDS)

Leak detection systems (acoustic technology-based) will be installed on:
 56” FDEWG-1 sales gas pipeline (204 km)
 56” FDKG-1 sales gas pipeline (32 km)
 24” FDWTG-1 sour gas pipeline (34 km)
 3” FDWDL-1 heavy diesel oil pipeline (34 km)
 For all the above-mentioned pipelines, field LDS sensors will be provided,
which produce 4-20 mA signals for transmission to LDS field processors.
Field sensors will be located at both ends of the pipeline and at intermediate
locations where electrical and communication infrastructure is available or
deemed necessary by the LDS supplier.
 The LDS data will include alert/alarm signals and location of the pipeline
leak if/when they occur and transmit those to the OSPAS.
New Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)

The project will provide new RTUs where remote control is required at:
 All mainline isolation valve locations for all pipelines
 Scraper trap locations at FGP, WGP, EWPS-1 and intermediate scraper trap
location at km 120 of the FDEWG-1 pipeline.
 Utility water line tie-in location at WGP.
All critical mainline isolation valves will be equipped with remote operated
actuators to allow remote operation by OSPAS from the OCC except for
FDWDL-1 which will be controlled and monitored from the FGP DCS.
Instrumentation, indication and control requirements to be made available for

SCADA/DCS at each RTU are as follows:
 Pressure/temperature transmitters will be installed at each mainline valve
station and scraper traps.
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 Emergency isolation valve (EIV) open/close status.

 EIV control for remote open and close from OCS/DCS.
Corrosion Monitoring System

 The project will provide a real-time corrosion monitoring system that will be
installed for the FDWTG-1 and FDWDL-1 pipelines.
3.4.2.7 Communication
The project will provide communications requirements for the new FDEWG-1,
FDKG-1, FDWTG-1, FDWDL-1 and Utility Water pipelines.
Installation of pressure, temperature and scraper passage indicating instruments at

each mainline valve station and at each scraper trap location. The communication
equipment will send monitoring/control signals of the RTUs to OSPAS in
Dhahran except for FDWDL-1 and FDWTG-1 that will send communication
signals to FGP. Additionally, LDS signals will be sent to the LDS server/NAPD
Monitoring Center in Dhahran and CMS signals to the Corrosion Monitoring
System at WGP.
The project will provide communication requirements of FDWTG-1, FDWDL-1

and Utility Water pipelines between WGP and FGP by providing fiber optic cable
connectivity.
3.4.2.8 Process Control

The FDEWG-1 and FDKG-1 pipeline facilities will be controlled and monitored
from the OSPAS Operations Coordination Center (OCC) in Dhahran. This project
will utilize the existing OSPAS SCADA system to monitor and control the
pipeline system at the OCC. The SCADA system will gather information from
existing RTUs in the corridor in addition to the proposed RTUs to be installed by
the project.
The FDWTG-1 and FDWDL-1 pipeline facilities will be monitored and

controlled from the FGP control room while the Utility Water pipeline facilities
will be monitored and controlled from the FGP DCS and monitored in the WGP
Control Room.
3.5 Project Pipeline Utilities

All utilities requirements for the scraper traps and mainline valve stations are as
follows:
Utility Water
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Provision for utility water for hydro test, blowdown and flushing of scraper traps
at trap locations are essential. A connection for utility water will be provided by a
nearby facility or through a utility water tanker, as feasible.
Nitrogen
For the cleaning and purging of scraper traps, a nitrogen connection will be
provided through an existing nearby facility or through nitrogen bottles,
whichever is available or feasible.
Instrument Air
Instrument air (IA) will be required for the FCV on FDWTG-1 line inside WGP.
Propane Bottle
Propane bottles will be required at the mainline valve stations and trap areas for
backup ignition of burn pits.
Corrosion Inhibitor Injection

For the FDWTG-1 pipeline, corrosion inhibitor injection will be required at the
takeoff point at WGP. The new CI system configuration will be similar to the
existing CI dosing system at WGP.
Methanol Injection System

For the FDWTG-1 pipeline, methanol injection will be required at the takeoff
point at WGP. As the existing methanol injection system at WGP has no spare
capacity, a new methanol injection system will be required for methanol dosing in
to the FDWTG-1 pipeline.
Fire Water
The trap locations inside plant boundaries will require fire water. Fire water shall
be provided by the existing fire water header at the facility.
3.6 Project Budget Item Interfaces

The proposed project facilities will interface with the following budget items:
 BI-10-01900 Fadhili Gas Plant (ERA 4/15 ERC 10/18)
 BI-10-01901 Khursaniyah Upstream Non Associated Gas Facilities (ERA
4/15 ERC 10/18)
 BI-10-01902 Hasbah Offshore Gas Facilities – Increment II (ERA 4/15 ERC
10/18)
 BI-10-01905 Fadhili Gas Plant Site Preparation (ERA 7/14 ERC 12/18)
 BI-10-00914 Wasit Gas Plant (ERA 12/10 ERC 7/14)
 BI-10-00917 Wasit Upstream Pipelines (ERA 12/10 ERC 7/14)
 BI-10-00918 Wasit Downstream Pipelines (ERA 2/14 ERC 12/17)
 BI-10-01282 Master Gas System Expansion Phase I (ERA 2/14 ERC 12/17)
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 BI-10-01810 Master Gas System Expansion Phase II (ERA 1/15 ERC 7/18)
 BI-10-01881 Cogeneration Facilities
3.7 Project Physical Interfaces

All project physical interfaces are materialized but specific tie0in points will be
confirmed during Project Proposal by PMT. The take-off and hook-ups points for
the pipelines are as follows.
3.7.1 FDEWG-1 Sales Gas Pipeline

The FDEWG-1 pipeline interface points with FGP and EWPS-1 are as follows:
Interface with FGP
 A flanged connection for the 56” line will be provided to FGP for the
FDEWG-1 tie-in.
 Trap drains/vents will be connected with the FGP drain/flare system.
 Power supply to the FGP scraper trap area for MOV, lighting and accessories
will be provided from a new 480V switchrack.
 Power lines to the valve stations will be provided through extension of the
nearest existing 13.8KV pole mounted overhead lines.
Interface with EWPS-1

 Existing available utilities at EWPS-1 will be utilized.
 Trap drains/vents at EWPS-1 will be connected with new or existing burn
pits/sump pits.
 Power supply to the EWPS-1 scraper trap area for MOV, lighting and
accessories will be provided from the MCC Building 4804.
3.7.2 FDKG-1 Sales Gas Pipeline

The FDKG-1 pipeline physical interface points with the KBG-1, KBG-2 and
WBG-1 pipelines are as follows:
Interface with KBG-1/2 and WBG-1 at km 3.5 (km 122 of KRT Corridor)
 The FDKG-1 pipeline will have 40” hot tap connections with KBG-1 and
KBG-2 pipelines at km 3.5 of WGP (km 122 of KRT corridor).
 The pipeline will have a jump over (hot tap) from the existing 56” WBG-1
pipeline at km 3.5 trap area of WGP.
 As utilities are not available at this location, connections for raw water and
nitrogen will be provided.
 The existing burn pit at km 122 of the KRT corridor will be evaluated for use
as a common burn pit for FDKG-1.
 Depressurization of the sole valve station along the pipeline between km 122
of KRT corridor and FGP will be done at either FGP or km 122 of the KRT
corridor.
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 Power supply to the scraper trap area at km 122 (KRT corridor) for MOV,
lighting and accessories will be provided from the existing 480V switchrack.
Interface with FGP

 The FDKG-1 pipeline will be comingled with the FDEWG-1 pipeline at
FGP.
 A 30” tie-in connection with block valve will be provided for 300 MMSCFD
sales gas supply to the Co-GEN unit at FGP trap area on the jumpover from
FDKG-1 to FDEWG-1.
 Fire water and utilities like raw water, nitrogen and plant air for flushing,
purging and cleaning of traps will be provided for the pipeline scraper trap at
FGP.
 Trap drains/vents will be connected with the FGP drain/flare system.
 Power supply to the scraper trap area at FGP for MOV, lighting and
accessories will be provided from the existing 480V switchrack.
3.7.3 FDWTG-1 Sour Gas Transfer Pipeline

The FDWTG-1 pipeline physical interface points for WGP and FGP are as
follows:
Interface with WGP
 The FDWTG-1 pipeline will be connected to WGP from the existing 60”
common discharge header of the Inlet Separator Train 100/200/300 and 400,
in the vicinity of the 24” swing line connection of KGP and BGP. FDWTG-1
will be provided with a provision for a tie-in with a 24” valve and blind
flange by BI-10-00914.
 The FDWTG-1 scraper trap blowdown (vent) will be routed to the WGP HP
flare system. The scraper trap drain will be routed to the closed drain system
by connecting to the existing CDS line in the trap area.
 The single mainline valve station along the FDWTG-1 pipeline and the
section of pipeline between mainline valve station and WGP will be
depressurized and flared from WGP.
 A tie-in for the new corrosion inhibitor (CI) skid will be taken from the
discharge of the existing Corrosion Inhibitor Unloading Pump to fill the new
CI tank.
 A tie-in for the new methanol injection (MI) skid will be taken from the
existing Methanol Unloading Pump discharge to fill the new MI tank.
purging and cleaning of scraper traps will be provided for the pipeline scraper
trap at WGP.
 Power supply to the scraper trap area at WGP for MOV, lighting and
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 The project will consider acoustic technology-based Leak Detection System

and will interface with workstation of BI-10-00918 at OCC Dhahran.
Interface with FGP

 The FDWTG-1 pipeline will be connected upstream of the feed gas
compressor that will route the compressed gas to the slug catcher downstream
at FGP.
trap at FGP.
 The FDWTG-1 scraper trap blowdown will be routed to the FGP HP flare
system. The scraper trap drain will be routed to the closed drain system by
connecting to the existing CDS line in the trap area.
 The single mainline valve station along the FDWTG-1 pipeline and the
section of pipeline between mainline valve station and FGP will be
depressurized and flared from FGP.
accessories will be provided from a new 480V switchrack.
3.7.4 FDWDL-1 Heavy Diesel Oil Pipeline

The FDWDL-1 pipeline physical interface points for FGP and WGP are as
follows:
Interface with FGP
 Corrosion inhibitor will be injected upstream of the FDWDL-1 lateral valve
interface point under BI-10-01900.
trap at FGP.
 The scraper trap drain will be routed to the closed drain system connecting to
the CDS line in the trap area and vent line to plant flare line in trap area.
accessories will be provided from a new 480V switchrack.
 Scraper trap facility signals will be terminated at the proposed PIB DCS to be
constructed under BI-10-01900.
 H2S and LEL gas detection signals will be terminated at the proposed PIB
DCS to be constructed under BI-10-01900.
 The project will consider acoustic technology-based Leak Detection System
and will interface with workstation of BI-10-00918 at OCC Dhahran.
Interface with WGP

st
 FDWDL-1 will be connected to the bottom outlet line of Rich HDO 1 stage
flash drum on the line going to the Rich HDO filters. A provision for a tie-in
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with a 3” valve and blind flange for the pipeline will be provided by BI-10-
00914.
trap at WGP.
 The scraper trap drain will be routed to the closed drain system connecting to
the CDS line in the trap area and vent line to plant flare line in trap area.
 H2S and LEL gas detection signals will be terminated at PIB #550 DCS.
 Corrosion monitoring probes for the pipeline at WGP scraper receiver
location will be interfaced with the existing corrosion monitoring server
located at the WGP Control Room.
3.7.5 Utility Water Pipeline

The utility water pipeline physical interface points for FGP and WGP are as
follows:
Interface with WGP
 There are two Industrial Water Settling Pumps and two new pumps
(submersible centrifugal type) will be provided for each sump.
 A new recycle line with flow transmitter and control valve at the discharge
line of the existing Industrial Water Transfer Pumps will also be required and
installed by the project.
 There will be a tie-in for the utility water pipeline at WGP.
 Power supply to the pump motors will be provided from the existing
substation #250, 4.16 KV source at WGP.
 Power supply for MOV, lighting and accessories at WGP will be provided
from an available and nearby 480V switchrack.
 Utility water pipeline tie-in facility signals will be interfaced to FGP DCS.
Interface with FGP

 The utility water pipeline will terminate at the FGP scraper trap area.
 At the FGP trap area, a 10” valve with flanged connections will also be
provided for the Residential Camp (BI-10-01905) on the 16” lateral line.
 A 10” valve with flange connection for the Co-GEN (BI-10-01881) will be
provided at the FGP trap area on the 16” lateral line.
 Power supply for MOV, lighting and accessories at FGP will be provided
from a new 480V switchrack.
3.8 Project Operating Interfaces and `Demolition Activities

The project will coordinate the construction and demolition activities with
OSPAS and Pipeline Operations. During Project Proposal, scheduling for any
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shutdowns shall be developed and included in the Project Execution Plan. Pre-
commissioning, shutdown, commissioning and startup procedures and demolition
activities will be implemented in such a manner so as to minimize disruptions to
operations.
An execution plan that covers construction, tie-ins, pre-commissioning,

commissioning, and possible demolition works under this BI will be prepared in
coordination with PTSD, OSPAS, Security Department and any other concerned
organizations.
There is no major demolition activity identified for this project except for fence
demolition/extension for the trap facility at EWPS-1 and km 3.5 (km 122 of KRT
corridor).
3.9 Land Use Permits (LUPs)

The Land Use Permits for the proposed pipeline’ routes are under processing and
detailed in Table 3.5.
Table 3.5: Pipelines Route Land Use Permits (LUPs) Status
No LUP# LUP Description Status
Under Review
 Loss Prevention Department 30001886-
56" FDKG-1 Sales Gas pending
Pipeline between Fadhili and  NA P/L Engineering Div (30004354)-pending
1 41789 KRTs KM 122 jump-overs
with WBG-1, KBG-1, and
KBG-2 (32 km)
Under Review
 NA P/L Engineering Div (30004354)-pending
 Roads Division (30004242)-pending
 SA P/L Engineering Div (30002309)-pending
 Loss Prevention Department (30001886)-
56" FDEWG-1 Sales Gas pending
Pipeline option utilizing new
 Ras Tanura Producing Dept (30001030)-
2 42432 established corridor between
pending
Fadhili – EWPS-1 (204 km)
(New Route)  Land Affairs Dept (30002576)-pending
 Land Use Coordination Unit (30012279)-
pending
 Environmental Engineering Div (30003650)-
pending
 East-West Pipelines Dept (30002323)-pending
Under Review
24" FDWTG-1 Sour Gas  Loss Prevention Department (30001886)-
3 41649 Pipeline between WGP & pending
FGP (34 km)  NA P/L Engineering Div (30004354)-pending
4 41668 56” FDEWG-1 Sales Gas Under Review
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No LUP# LUP Description Status
Pipeline Base Case utilizing  Loss Prevention Department – Pending

Existing corridors between
Fadhili – EWPS-1 (229 km)
(Old Route)
Under Review
pending
 Safaniyah Power Operations Div (30023657 –
18" water line from WGP to pending
5 42398
FGP (34 km)
 Wasit Gas Plant Dept (30021051)- Pending
Under Review
pending
3" FDWDL-1 HDO pipeline  NA P/L Engineering Div (30004354)-pending
6 42094 between FGP & WGP (34
km)
3.10 Project Schedule
Table 3.6: Fadhili Downstream Pipelines Project Schedule

Project Phase Timeline
PSP Issued Nov 2013
FEL 2 (DBSP) Start Jan 2014
FEL 2 (DBSP) Completion April 2014
FEL 3/PP Start May 2014
FEL 3/PP Completion Nov 2014
ER Approval April 2015
ER Completion Oct 2018
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4.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS

This section provides a description of the existing environmental and
socioeconomic conditions as determined through field visits and desktop review
of publicly available information and studies conducted by the client (e.g.
Population Density Index, DBSP, etc.). Field visits were conducted to identify
terrestrial ecology, fauna and land contamination issues of the project site and
surrounding areas.
4.1 GENERAL SETTING

4.1.1 National Outlook
The Kingdom is surrounded by the Red Sea in the West, Yemen and Oman in the
South, the Arabian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on the East and
Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait on the North. Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline stretches
about 1,760 kilometers (1,100 miles) while its Arabian Gulf coastline is roughly
560 kilometers (350 miles) long. The Kingdom occupies a land area of 2,150,000
km2 (830,000 square miles), occupying almost 80 percent of the Arabian
Peninsula.
4.1.2 Regional and Project Area

The physical context of the project area is typical to a desert environment that
dominates much of the Kingdom featuring sandy deserts comprising wind-blown
and unstable sand dunes interspersed with limestone outcrop formations (largely
at Fadhili) and interspersed with Sabkha formations near WGP. The region
encompassing the project area is sparsely populated with scattered Bedouin camps
along the new FDEWG-1 corridor. Notable population centers include Jubail,
Shedgum and Hofuf (Al-Ahsa). On-going industrial activities in the area are
largely related to oil and gas field development (Wasit and Fadhili) and
production (Khursanyah, Shedgum and Ain Dar) under the direct supervision and
management of Saudi Aramco. Others include industrial activities in Jubail
Industrial Areas I and II under the direct supervision of Royal Commission of
Jubai (RCJ), quarry activities near the proposed FGP and on-going construction
activities at WGP.
The project areas falls under the Al-Hasa geographic region which occupies the
eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The predominant landforms of the project
area consists of uneven sandy plains that supports varying densities of bushes and
grasses interspersed with few salt flats (sabkha). These landforms consist of deep,
sandy soils that are well drained, moderately saline and calcareous. Rock outcrops
of marl and limestone with shallow soils are also present in the project area.
No surface water bodies, ponds, or permanently flowing wadis are observed along
the pipeline’ corridors and adjacent areas. Vegetation is generally sparse in the
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area with extensive grazing (evident from stumps) observed in the areas between
Fadhili and Fardaniyah.
Satellite imagery was used to study the land use pattern of the proposed pipelines
route. The GIS mapping was carried out by 5 Capitals and included providing
spatial patterns of land use, land cover classification, vegetation cover, etc. The
project area was identified with buffer zones of 100 m, 1 km and 3 km around the
pipeline. The project area is shown in Figure 4.1a below. A summary of project
area land use habitats is shown in Figure 4.1b. Pipeline land use habitats in
segments are shown in Figures 4.1c to 4.1q below.
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Figure 4.1a: Project Area for the proposed pipelines
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Figure 4.1b: Summary of the Project Area Land Use Habitat
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Figure 4.1c: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1d: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1e: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1f: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1g: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1h: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1i: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1j: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1k: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1m: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1l: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1n: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1o: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1p: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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Figure 4.1q: Landform/Habitat Map for the Project Area
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4.2 METEOROLOGY AND CLIMATE

The Kingdom witnesses marked regional variations in temperature during both
summer and winter. Mean annual temperature ranges from less than 18 °C in the
southwest and northwest mountainous regions to a high of approximately 30 °C
along the southern region of the Red Sea coastal plain. Predominant parts of the
Kingdom, however, have mean annual temperatures between 22 °C and 26 °C.
Mean summer temperatures (June to August) ranges from less than 26 °C in the
mountains of the southwest region to 36 °C in the east central region of the
Kingdom. Mean winter temperatures (December to February) ranges from less
than 8 °C in the northwest to 28 °C in the southern region of the Red Sea coastal
plain.
However, regional weather extremes can be witnessed throughout the Kingdom.

Summer shade temperatures often rise above 45 C in the central and eastern
regions of Saudi Arabia. Hailstorms and winter frosts are common in the
mountains of the southwest, including occasional snow falls. Winter frosts are
also common in the northern and central interior regions of Saudi Arabia except
the coastal regions.
Rainfall is low in most regions of Saudi Arabia with high variations between
years and long periods of no rainfall. When rainfall occurs, it is often local and
occasionally in the form of violent storms with rapid runoff. Mean annual rainfall
ranges from 10 mm to more than 500 mm. However, most areas of the Kingdom
receive between 50 mm and 100 mm of rainfall during October to April. The
mountains of the southwest region receive more than 50 mm of rainfall mostly
during winter and spring.
Almazroui (2011) analyzed rainfall data which shows that spring has the highest
(38.93%) and winter the second highest (32.51%) rainfall occurring seasons in
Saudi Arabia. These contribute significantly towards the large amounts of rainfall
that occur during the wet season (75.39%) over the country as a whole. Only
small amounts of rainfall are observed during the summer (11.46%) and in the dry
season (12.94%), whereas autumn received about 17.09% of the total annual
rainfall. The SW region receives rainfall in all seasons, with a maximum in spring
(44.29%), whereas the NW and NE regions receive very small amounts of rainfall
in summer (~2%). The SE region is almost totally dry. In general, rainfall
increases with rising altitude, at a rate of approximately 1.93 mm/m in Saudi
Arabia.
Relative humidity is very low across most parts of the Kingdom, especially during
summer months. The mean minimum relative humidity during the month of June
is around 15%. Sandy deserts have an average relative humidity of below 10%
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during the dry months of June to August. Coastal regions on the other hand
experience relative humidity levels of not less than 30%.
The prevailing climatic conditions in the Kingdom have an important influence on

the natural flora and also on the productivity of cultivated crops. Considering the
variance in temperature, rainfall, and humidity patterns, Saudi Arabia can be
divided into 21 agro-climatic zones that are further grouped into 8 climatic
regions (Ministry of Agriculture and Water, 1988).
4.2.2 Regional and Project Areas

Although four seasons are observed in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia,
summer and winter seasons are dominant. The same pattern is seen in the
cities/towns close to where the pipelines will be installed (including Jubail,
Shedgum, Al-Ahsa,etc). Climatic conditions is one of environmental extremes
with extreme temperatures in the summer often at 90-100% humidity and near
freezing temperatures in the winter. The length of the summer season is greater
than in more temperate zones and it extends from May to September with daytime
temperatures sometimes in excess of 50 °C and precipitation almost nil. Rainfall
in the region is very low with occasional localized storm events. Annual rainfall is
in the range of 90mm and is usually during winter and spring time months of the
year (i.e. between November to April) (Obaikan, 2000). Averaged monthly wind
speeds have been reported to be in the range of 2-3m/s for most months of the
year and around 4-6m/s during the autumn and winter months (September to
November) (Khonkar, 2009). There is mostly a diurnal pattern with calm winds at
night and maximum values during midday or early afternoon. It is characteristic
for the Eastern Province that all the high energy winds come from north to
northwesterly directions creating a wide unimodal wind regime with intermediate
energy.
Beginning in late May and June, an extensive low-pressure area develops over the
Asian continent due to excess summer heating of this large landmass. The
counter-clockwise wind circulation, which is characteristic of a low-pressure area,
persists for the entire summer. The eastern coast of Saudi Arabia lies on the
northwest edge of this circulation resulting in northerly winds over the region.
During June and July wind speeds are frequently strong enough to cause
sandstorm conditions known locally as “Shammals” (northern winds) with mean
wind speeds of 15 m/s or higher and gusts over 18 m/s. By mid-July the northwest
wind weakens with September being the calmest month. October and November
are transitional months during which temperatures reduce and relative humidity
rise. By November the first extra tropical cyclones begin to influence the area and
may bring heavy but usually short duration rainfall. The rainfall season extends
from November to April.
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Representative meteorological and climatic data for some areas close where the
pipelines will be laid are presented in Table 4.1 below. Berri is about 30 km
southeast of WGP
Table 4.1: Project Area Meteorological and Climatic Conditions (Source: Saudi Aramco SAES-A-
112, 7 December 2011)
Data Categories Berri Jubail Shedgum Hofuf
Elevation Above Mean Sea Level 30 6 294 160
Station Coordinates: Latitude North 26°57’ 27°2’ 25°36’ 25°30’
Longitude East 49°35’ 49°32’ 49°24’ 49°34’
Ambient Air and Soil Temperatures, (⁰C):
Average Annual Temperature 26 26 27 27
Average Daily Maximum Temp. (hottest month) 36 36 37 37
Monthly Normal Max. Temp. (hottest month) 43 42 47 45
Average Daily Soil Temp. (1 m below grade) 32 33 33 30
Mo. Normal Max. Soil Temp. (1 m below grade) 32 33 34 31
Lowest One-Day Mean Temperature 8 7 4 5
Highest One-Day Mean Temperature 40 40 41 42
Lowest Recorded Temperature 0 3 -1 -2
Highest Recorded Temperature 53 50 49 55
Summer Design Dry Bulb Temperature @ 1% 44 45 45 47
Mean Coincident Wet Bulb Temperature @ 1% 21 23 21 24
Summer Design Dry Bulb Temperature @ 2.5% 43 44 45 46
Mean Coincident Wet Bulb Temperature @ 2.5% 21 23 21 24
Summer Design Wet Bulb Temperature @ 1% 29 32 26 29
Mean Coincident Dry Bulb Temperature @ 1% 34 35 32 39
Summer Design Wet Bulb Temperature @ 2.5% 28 31 24 28
Mean Coincident Dry Bulb Temperature @ 2.5% 34 35 33 38
Summer Design Dry Bulb Temperature @ 5% 42 43 44 45
Mean Daily Range 12 12 15 16
Winter Design Dry Bulb Temperature @ 99% 7 7 6 5
Wind:
Basic Wind Speed, 3 sec gust, km/hr 50 yr 145 145 155 155
Exposure Category1 C C C C
Prevailing Direction N NNW NNW NNW
Precipitation, mm:
Rainfall, Average Annual 99 120 81 92
Rainfall Maximum in 24 hours 96 115 80 56
Isokeraunic Levels (days lightning/year) 24 25 20 18
1
Exposure D shall be used within 0.46 km (.2 mi) of the shoreline
Climate data gathered over the past 25 years (1985-2010) by the PME-operated
meteorological station in Al-Ahsa is summarized in Table 4.2.
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Table 4.2: 25 Years Climatic Conditions: Al-Ahsa Area (Source: PME)
PROVISIONAL NORMALS FROM: 1985 To 2010
Station No.: 40420 Station Name: Al-Ahsa LAT: 25 17 53N LONG: 49 29 11E Elevation: 178.17 METER
Temperature (Deg. C) Relative Surface Wind(Kts) Pressure(hPa) Precipitation (mm)

Humidity
Mean Extremes (%) Prev Maximum Vap Station Sea 24 Hours
Dir Speed -or Level Level Monthly Total
Mo MX MN M MX YY DD MN YY DD MX MN M M MX DDD M M M M Ext. YY Ext. YY DD

01 21.2 8.5 14.7 32.7 1994 31 - 2.3 1989 06 100 11 55 NNW 7 36 18 9.2 998.2 1019.3 15.0 63.1 2000 50.6 2000 17
02 24.2 10.6 17.2 37.8 1997 21 1.0 1989 15 100 8 49 N 8 40 18 9.5 996.1 1016.9 11.6 73.5 1993 28.9 1993 04
03 28.9 14.3 21.5 41.2 1998 28 .7 1987 25 100 5 44 N 8 60 330 10.5 993.1 1013.7 16.2 111.0 1995 56.2 1995 20
04 35.1 19.6 27.2 45.0 2002 29 7.3 1995 06 100 5 38 N 7 80 27 12.7 990.3 1010.5 10.7 44.3 1993 21.1 1993 27
05 41.5 24.9 33.3 49.0 2009 27 17.0 1998 08 98 3 27 N 7 45 29 13.1 986.6 1006.2 2.1 17.1 2010 15.3 1994 10
06 44.4 27.6 36.3 50.6 2010 20 18.3 1989 03 95 3 22 N 8 40 33 12.6 981.4 1000.8 0.0 0.3 1986 .3 1986 08
07 45.7 29.4 37.8 50.8 2007 30 19.8 2008 25 98 3 23 NNW 8 42 33 14.2 978.6 997.7 0.0 1.1 1993 1.1 1993 27
08 45.4 28.9 37.2 49.7 1998 07 19.7 1997 07 100 4 30 N 7 39 32 17.7 980.1 998.3 0.9 19.4 1993 19.4 1993 26
09 42.3 25.3 33.8 48.0 2007 06 17.3 1995 26 99 33 N 6 38 35 16.0 985.5 1005.1 0.0 0.0 .0
10 37.6 21.1 29.2 45.6 2005 11 13.0 1989 24 100 5 39 N 5 40 33 14.7 991.4 1011.4 0.6 7.7 1997 6.7 1994 20
11 29.9 15.6 22.4 45.8 1991 16 5.8 1990 22 100 9 47 NNW 6 41 33 12.4 995.6 1016 5.1 94.6 1997 27.9 1997 06
12 23.4 10.5 16.6 32.5 2001 13 .8 1994 08 100 7 56 NNW 7 39 32 10.5 998.1 1019 21.1 140.9 1992 51.9 1992 27
MX 45.7 50.8 100 80 140.9 56.2
MN 8.5 - 2.3
M 27.3 39 7 12.8 989.6 1009.6 6.9
Number of Days with Occurrence of following Weather Phenomena
LAT,N=Latitude in Degrees Minutes and Seconds, North of the Equator
Month Thunder Precip Mist Fog Blowing Dust/Sand Haze LONG,E=Longitude in Degrees Minutes and Seconds, East of Greenwich
Storm Dust Storm mm=Millimeter
01 1.8 08.7 05.5 1.7 05.9 1.0 08.1 Ext=Extreme
Kts=Knots
02 2.6 05.8 04.3 1.0 07.9 2.0 09.6 YY=Year
03 4.0 09.1 02.3 0.1 09.4 2.8 11.0 DD=Day
04 4.7 07.3 00.7 0.2 09.6 2.3 11.7 Press=Pressure
05 1.0 02.0 00.2 0.0 09.9 2.2 15.0 Dir=Direction in 16 points Compass
DDD=Direction in Degrees
06 .1 00.0 00.1 0.0 12.5 2.3 16.7 hPa=Hectopascal
07 .0 00.1 00.4 0.1 11.3 1.0 18.1 Deg C=Degrees Celcius
08 .1 00.2 01.8 0.1 06.2 0.6 15.7 MO=Month,
.1 MX=Maximum
09 00.0 02.5 0.5 04.0 0.2 12.2
MN=Minimum
10 .1 00.3 04.1 1.1 02.8 0.2 09.7 AVG=Average
11 .7 03.1 05.2 1.3 04.7 0.9 07.7 M=Mean
12 1.4 07.2 07.2 2.5 05.1 0.7 08.7 PREV=Prevailing
Precip=Precipitation
Total 16.6 43.8 34.3 8.6 89.3 16.2 *****
July 23, 2014 82 | P a g e

4.3 AIR QUALITY

Air quality in Saudi Arabia is largely affected by automobile emissions with the total
number of vehicles registered in the Kingdom increasing from 4 million in 1987 to
more than 9 million vehicles in 2007. Further, sand storms are another major
contributor to impaired air quality in Saudi Arabia. Other potential air pollution
sources in the Kingdom include power stations, oil refineries, petrochemical plants,
cement plants, factories at the various industrial cities and estates, construction
activities, cement and silica mining activities and sand rock quarries.
The Kingdom’s carbon emissions have continued to rise since oil was discovered.
Consumption of petroleum products represents the bulk of the Kingdom’s fossil-fuel
CO2 emissions (64.2% in 2008). Use of natural gas now accounts for 32.1% of total
fossil-fuel CO2 emissions. The emissions resulting from flaring gas in the oil fields in
1974, accounted for 76% of Saudi Arabia's fossil-fuel emissions. As new
technologies were incorporated into the oil fields and it became possible to refine or
re-inject these gases, CO2 emissions from gas flaring fell sharply and more recently
account for less than 1% of total emissions (refer Figure 4.3). Per capita emissions
have grown ten-fold since 1950 at 4.69 metric tons of carbon per person, they are
well above the global average (http://cdiac.ornl.gov). Saudi Arabia ranks 11th among
nations based on 2010 CO2 emissions from fossil-fuel burning, cement production
and gas flaring with 127 million metric tons of carbon, but the highest among the
neighboring Gulf States (refer Table 4.3).
Figure 4.3: Carbon Emission in Saudi Arabia
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Table 4.3: Country Ranking based on CO2 Emissions (Source http://cdiac.ornl.gov)

Annual CO2 emissions
Percentage of global
Rank Country (in thousands of metric tones
total
of Carbon)
1 China 2,259,856 26.18%
2 United States 1,481,608 17.17%
11 Saudi Arabia 126,665 1.46%
31 United Arab Emirates 45,704 0.53%
39 Kuwait 24,551 0.30%
48 Qatar 19,234 0.22%
55 Oman 15,599 0.18%
81 Bahrain 22,479 0.07%
4.3.2 Regional and Project Area Outlook

Ambient air quality in the project areas is largely influenced by prevailing climatic
conditions which directly affects particulate concentrations in ambient air. The
significant presence of dune formations/sand sheets in the project areas is a source of
elevated particulates during sand storm events.
Sand storms are a major cause of air pollution in Saudi Arabia as well as in the
project areas. Typically in hot climate zones, soil being generally unconsolidated, the
unprotected surface sediments are continually mobilized by moderate to high velocity
winds that are characteristic of the region. As a result there is a movement of sand
dunes leading to erosion of topsoil, drifting sand, moving dunes, and accumulation of
dust clouds that affect the quality of air in the region (Figure 4.4 below). Desert air is
frequently loaded with fine dust and in summer, sand particles and a combination of
minute salt particles, dust, smoke, and moisture often reduces visibility to less than
400 m (A.S. Stipho, 1992). Major sand and dust storms occur as often as 10 to 12
times each year in Saudi Arabia affecting air and ground traffic. During such events
ground level visibility can be reduced to as much as 10 m.
The largest desert bodies in the Kingdom include the Nafud in the north and Rub Al
Khali in the south along with the crescent shaped Dahna in the Najd area and the Al
Jafurah in the Eastern Province. The project areas are part of the crescent shaped
Dahna desert body of the Najd area (Figure 4.4 below). The presence of intense sand
dunes coupled with prevailing wind provides for the dunes to become mobile. The
Eastern Province (including the project areas) offers ideal conditions for the
formation of migratory sand dunes – an abundance of sand and year-round prevailing
wind conditions. Therefore, particulate matter from sand storms is a concern for
ambient air quality in the project areas.
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Figure 4.4: Distribution of Sand Dunes in the Arabian Peninsula (A.S. Stipho, 1992)
Anthropogenic influence on air quality in the region is mainly associated with

emissions from industrial sources and traffic. The major sources of industrial
emissions in this area include – EWPS-1 operations, the KGP, construction activities
at the WGP, quarry operations towards the north of the WGP and close to the site of
the FGP and industries in Jubail I & II (refer Figure 4.5).
Exhaust emissions from highways in the vicinity of the project areas will influence
the air quality in the region comprising the corridors. The two major highways are the
Dammam-Khafji Highway which is a vital road link between Kuwait, Saudi Arabia,
Bahrain and the Southern Arabian Gulf countries and the Dammam-Riyadh Highway
that links the eastern region to the west of Saudi Arabia. These highways
accommodates significant volumes of truck, bus and car traffic. (refer Figure 4.5).
July 23, 2014 85 | P a g e

Figure 4.5 Major Sources of Emissions affecting Air Quality in the area. (Based on observations during
the field survey of May, 2014)
4.4 SOILS AND GEOLOGY

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies about three quarters of the Arabian Peninsula
on the southern part of the Arabian Plate, which is underlain by the Precambrian
continental crust (MOA, 1995). The terrain in the Kingdom being fairly irregular can
be divided into zones of geological and geomorphologic differences.
There are four distinct and extensive geological terrains in Saudi Arabia namely the
Proterozoic Arabian Shield, the Phanerozoic Arabian platform, the Tertiary Harrats,
and the narrow Red Sea coastal plain as shown in Figure 4.6. The different
physiographic regions in Saudi Arabia include:
 The Western Coastal Lowlands (Tihama)
 The Hijaz, Asir, and Hisma Highlands
 The Crystalline Najd
 The Sedimentary Najd
 The Nafud Basin and Dahna
 The Eastern Plateau
 The Gulf Coastal Lowlands
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 Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter)
The geologic cover in Saudi Arabia varies in age from the Precambrian to the
present. Few Precambrian rocks in the region date back to the Archean (3 million
years ago) while most date back to the Neoproterozoic (1000 – 540 Ma), originating
as volcanic islands along spreading centers and subduction-zones in a Neoproterozoic
ocean and against ancient continental margins, and were folded and uplifted toward
the end of the Precambrian as a large belt of mountains. The mountains were part of a
large mountain belt existing between approximately 680 to 540 Ma. At the end of the
Precambrian, the mountains eroded leaving behind their roots exposed in western
Saudi Arabia in the Arabian Shield.
The Precambrian rocks underlying the entire Arabian Peninsula are composed of
stable crystalline rocks containing metal deposits of gold, silver, copper, zinc, iron
and magnesium. The Phanerozoic cover contains oil resources, deposits of bauxite,
phosphate, clay, limestone, and silica sand.
Figure 4.6: Main Geological Divisions of Saudi Arabia
Most soils in Saudi Arabia are young due to the lack of pedogenic development
resulting from the unavailability of moisture and the continual erosional or
depositional activities at the surface. In addition, wind-blown soluble salts, gypsum
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and calcium carbonates are added to the soil faster than they are removed (MOA,
1995).
Sandy deserts consisting of wind-blown, unstable high sand dunes constitute about
one third of the Kingdoms area. These soils are classified as
Torripsamments/Calcaric Arenosols with their large extents being found in the Rub
Al Khali, An Nafud, and Ad Dahna deserts (MOA, 1995).
About one percent of the total area in the Kingdom is suitable for arable farming; the
cultivable area has been estimated at 52.7 million hectares (ha), which is almost 25%
of the total area. In 1992, the cultivated area was 1,608,000 ha, of which 1,512,500 ha
consisted of annual crops and 95,500 ha consisted of permanent crops.
About 40 percent of the land in Saudi Arabia is affected by soil salinity while about
two thirds of the land is affected by erosion/deposition of windblown sands. Almost
all sloping lands are affected by water erosion leaving only small areas at high
altitudes in the Asir Mountains terraced for cultivation.
Major soil associations and their characteristics in Saudi Arabia are detailed in Table
4.4 below.
Table 4.4: Soil Associations in Saudi Arabia: Their Extent & Main Characteristics
Soil Association Extent (ha) Main Characteristics
Calciorthids 17,720,300  Deep, loamy, arable soils
(Haplic Calcisols)
Torriorthent – Calciorthids – Rock 42,837,200  Shallow, non-arable soils; some deep &
outcrop moderately deep, loamy, arable soils; and
(Calcaric Regosols – Lithic Leptosols – steep rock outcrops
Haplic Calcisols – Rock outcrop)
Camborthids 2,402,000  Deep, loamy, arable lands
(Calcaric Cambisols)
Gypsiorthids – Calciorthids 16,227,700  Shallow, non-arable soils; and deep, loamy,
(Petric Gypsisols – Gypsic Solonchaks arable soils
– Haplic Calcisols)
Torrifluvents – Calciorthids 1, 306, 000  Deep, loamy (some gravelly), arable soils
(Calcaric Fluvisols – Calcaric
Arenosols – Haplic calcisols)
Lava stones – Camborthids 6,611,800  Non-arable, stony land; and some deep,
(Lava stones – Calcaric Cambisols) loamy, arable soils
Torriothents – Xerorthents – Rock 525,300  Shallow, non-arable soils; very steep rock
outcrop outcrops; and some terraced, moderately
(Lithic/Eutric Leptosols – Rock outcrop deep loamy, arable soils
– Calcaric Regosols)
Rock outcrop – Torriorthents 53,672,800  Very deep rock outcrops; and some shallow
(Rock outcrop – Lithic Leptosols – non-arable soils
Calcaric Regosols)
Torripsamments – Torriorthents 80,059,700  Sand dunes; interdunal seep sandy (some
(Calcaric Arenosols – Lithic Leptosols) arable) soils; some shallow, non-arable; and
some plain, deep, sandy, arable soils
Udipsamments – Torripsamments 2,895,600  Marine flats and sand dunes; non-arable
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Soil Association Extent (ha) Main Characteristics

(Gleyic/Calcaric Arenosols)
Haplaquepts – Eutrochrepts 28,300  Deep, loamy, wet, arable soils
(Eutric Gleysols – Gleyic Cambisols)
Salorthids 613,300  Deep, highly saline, loamy, non-arable soils
(Salic Fluvisols – Water area)
Source: Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), 1995
4.4.2 Regional and Project Area Outlook

The eastern region of the Kingdom is largely comprised of the Gulf coastal lowlands
and the Eastern plateau physiographic regions. Geologic formations in the eastern
region range in stratigraphic sequence from the Palaeogene to Quarternary. This
region with its border at the Arabian Gulf consists of a thick sedimentary sequence
border that covers the Precambrian crustal plate. As a result of this plate the Arabian
Gulf coastal plain is wide and rises gradually inland toward the Summan Plateau. In
the gulf coastal lowlands isolated hillocks, tablelands, playas and low east-facing
escarpments are distributed among the rock plains and gravel fields; an ubiquitous
thin layer of overblown sand covers landforms in the region. The coastal lowlands are
extremely irregular and contain unstable marshes, salt flats (sabkhas), beaches and
dunes. In addition numerous lagoons and extensive tidal flats line the area and are
exposed during low tide.
The Gulf coastal lowlands are barely above sea level and in some areas minimal
slopes render the shoreline unidentifiable. Additionally, in some areas the intertidal
zones extend several kilometers inland. Salt flats in these regions are saturated with
brine and marked by a surface layer of salt laminated crust.
Soils in the eastern region of the Kingdom are largely composed of Torripsaments –
Torriorthents extending inland from the coastal areas, Torriorthents – Calciorthids –
Rock outcrop from the west of Hofuf and in southcentral Summan Plateau, and
Gypsiorthids – Calciorthids in northern regions of the Summan Plateau and South
Eastern Najd (refer Table 4.4 for the above identified soil descriptions).
Soils in the eastern region are limited in their development due to their relative sterile
nature and poor drainage. Sabkhas or salt flats are widely found in this region due to
their abundance of unconsolidated sediments, shallow groundwater levels and poor
relief.
The proposed pipeline project will be installed in the coastal low lands of the eastern
province. Soils in this region are largely comprised of sandy soils (Torripsaments)
and or shallow rocky soils (Torriorthents) extending in land where rocky outcrops
(Calciorthids) and dune formations (sand sheets) are encountered. Sabkha formations
are present interspersed with sand sheets in the coastal areas and these are highly
saline salt evaporative basins with a compact upper soil covering (MOA, 1995).
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From the field survey conducted by ECB from 26 to 28 May 2014, it was observed
that soil formation close to Wasit and along the corridor to KGP are majorly Sabkha
flat land; at the KGP and extending towards the Abu Hadriyah highway along the
corridor, the soil is sandy with gravels and the terrain is undulating while at the FGP
and along the corridor to EWPS-1 the soil formation are sandy and occasional dune
formation were observed (refer to Figures 4.7 and 4.8)
Figure 4.7: Typical Soil Profile (Sabkha ) along the corridor to KGP
Figure 4.8 Typical soil profile (Sandy) near EWPS-1
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4.5 GROUNDWATER
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies an area of about 2.15 million km2, of which
surface water presence is almost negligible. With average rainfall at less than 150
mm and evaporation high, permanent surface water bodies are absent in most parts of
the Kingdom. In the absence of permanent surface water bodies, water supply in the
Kingdom is largely dependent on groundwater resources, desalinated seawater and
rainwater stored in temporary catchments or dams.
Groundwater resources in the Kingdom include aquifers from both old and young
geological ages. In the Arabian shield the quantity of groundwater is limited and
restricted to the relatively thin unconsolidated overburden of alluvial basins. The
most active aquifers (main aquifers) lie within the sedimentary strata and underlie
two-thirds of the Kingdom. Sandstone and limestone formations in the sedimentary
basin provide the main source of water but vary in quality and quantity between and
within aquifers. In the northern and eastern regions of the Kingdom, artesian wells
and springs provide for water and significant aquifers have been identified in these
areas. However on the western side groundwater resources are limited and therefore
wells and springs are rare (MOA, 1995).
The eight main aquifers in the Kingdom, are the Saq aquifer, Wajid aquifer, Tabuk
aquifer, Minjur and Minjur/Dhruma aquifers, Wasia-Biyadh and Cretaceous sands
aquifers, Umm Er Radhuma aquifer, Dammam aquifer, and the Neogene Aquifer,
while secondary aquifers include the Jauf, Aburwath, Khuff, Jilh, Dhruma, Upper
Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous Limestone, Sakaka, Aruma, Basalt, and alluvial
aquifers (refer Figure 4.9 for locations of principal and secondary aquifers in the
Kingdom). Figures 4.10 and 4.11 shows the groundwater supplies and consumptions,
respectively, over the years.
The water quality of the main aquifers varies from place to place and partly depends
on the depth of extraction. Water suitable for domestic consumption is stored in the
Saq, Tabuk, Wajid and Neogene aquifers. Most other aquifers, such as the Minjur,
Wasia, Dammam, Umm Er Radhuma, produce water which usually requires
treatment for temperature and high concentrations of ions such as Ca+2, Mg+2, SO4-2
and Cl-2.
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Figure 4.9: Principal and Secondary Aquifers in the Kingdom
Source: Groundwater Resources Mgmt in Saudi Arabia (Abderrahman, 2006)
Figure 4.10: Groundwater Supplies in Saudi Arabia
Source: Groundwater Resources Management in Saudi Arabia (Abderrahman, 2006)
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Figure 4.11: Accumulative Groundwater Consumption in Saudi Arabia
Source: Groundwater Resources Management in Saudi Arabia (Abderrahman, 2006)
Aquifer Depletion
Depletion of aquifer resources has been documented extensively and it’s a major
concern in the Kingdom. Currently about 61% of the Kingdom’s water requirements
are supplied from aquifer wells while the remaining from desalination (Gutub et al,
2013). Several issues have been identified that contribute to depletion and these
include excessive pumping, increasing number of private and farming wells and
uncontrolled irrigation and agriculture.
The annual water demand in the Kingdom has increased from 2,352 MCM in 1980 to
more than 20,000 MCM in 2004. Irrigated agriculture accounts for 88% of water use
with domestic demand taking 9% and industry 3%. The boom in desert agriculture
has resulted in a rapid rise in water use to the point where agricultural consumption is
ten times greater than the renewable water resources. This deficit is met from fossil
groundwater reserves that are now causing serious concerns due to falling
groundwater levels.
The natural recharge of the six major consolidated sedimentary old-age aquifers
located in the eastern and central parts of the Kingdom is negligible. Table 4.5
indicates the fall in groundwater levels in fossil aquifers due to significant levels of
withdrawal, largely for agriculture.
The Hofuf (Al Hasa) Oasis is an example of groundwater depletion where until the
late 1970s about 35 natural springs supplied the oasis and farmers used traditional
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irrigation practices to grow crops. However, to support rapid expansion of

commercial agriculture, tube wells were drilled in the oasis and natural springs dried
up by the mid 1980s. The wells that were originally artesian now have water levels
approximately 40 m to 60 m below ground level representing an average fall of 4
m/yr.
Various efforts have been imitated to conserve aquifer resources and these include
public awareness, restrictions on farming and consumption. Saudi Aramco’s sea
water injection programme has also been established to provide sea water as a viable
alternative to using aquifer water for reservoir pressurizing. Most recently, Saudi
Aramco has also required a water optimization assessment for all projects of
significant impacts.
Table 4.5: Major Fossil Water Aquifers in Saudi Arabia

Aquifer Storage Available Area Thickness Fall in Comments
(MCM) (MCM) (km2) (m) Water
Table
(1981-
2002)
Saq 258,400 103,360 300,000 400-1,200 16-76 Largest aquifer.
sandstone High potential for
development
Wajid 237,500 95,000 170,000 200-900 - Only limited
sandstone geological
understanding
Tabuk 109,800 43,920 ~142,000 500-950 34 Upper unit of three
(Tawil) sandstones
separated by
aquitards/aquicludes
Jawf 74,000 38,480 ~85,000 ~400 - The indicated
limestones surface area
& includes the
sandstones Sakakah aquifer
Minjur 171,300 111,340 ~48,000 400 80-85 The indicated
sandstones surface area
includes the
Dhruma aquifer
Wasia/ 66,600 33,300 600 - Largest system in
Biyadh/ the Kingdom after
Sakah Saq
sandstones
Umm er 6,000 3,000 300-700 52-97 Lack of
Radhuma understanding of
limestone many physical
parameters
Total 923,600 428,400
Source: Food and Agriculture of the United Nations, 2009
Aquifer Recharge
Aquifer investigations by various agencies including the Ministries of Agriculture
(MOA) and Water & Electricity (MOWE) indicate that aquifer recharge largely
occurs around the outcrop and wadi areas in the central region and surfaces in the
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eastern region. Based on aquifer maps published by the MOA and experience from
past projects these recharge areas are known to follow a crescent shape parallel to the
Dahna desert sand sheet (See Figures 4.12 and 4.13). Hence any leak of hazardous
materials in these areas could potentially contaminate the aquifer.
Figure 4.12: Aquifer Formations in Eastern Saudi Arabia
Figure 4.13: Aquifer Recharge: Umm er Radhuma-Dammam Aquifer System

The project site is located within the Dammam and Al Hasa hydrogeological
formation which is primarily characterized by alternating layers of aquifers and
aquitards. The dominant hydrogeological divisions are summarized in Table 4.6 (also
refer Figure 4.14). The principal aquifer resources in the region include the Wasia-
Biyadh, Cretaceous Sands, Dammam, Umm Er Radhuma, and the Neogene Aquifer.
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The Dammam and Umm Er Radhuma formations are the most extensively utilized in
the region catering to more than 85% of the demand.
Table 4.6: Hydrogeological Setting of the Eastern Province

Sl. No Hydrogeological Unit Status
1 Neogene Sequence Aquitard
2 Limestone Aquifer
3 Marl Aquitard
4 Khobar Aquifer
5 Shales Aquitard
6 Umm Er Radhuma Aquifer
Source: Abdulrahman et al, 2007
Figure 4.14: Groundwater Aquifer Formations – Eastern Saudi Arabia (MAW, 1984)
The Neogene formation is a collection of extensive series of beds of Miocene and

Pliocene ages and extends over a large area from Wadi Dawasir to the Jordan border
in the north, and to the Arabian Gulf in the east. The formation varies in thickness
from 20 m to 120 m and is exposed around the Arabian Gulf coast. Occurrence of
groundwater is fairly irregular and this could be largely attributed to extensive
agricultural activities.
The Dammam formation consists of shales and the Khobar and Alat limestone sub-
formations. The deeper shales are relatively older while the limestone groups are
younger. Outcrops are scattered between Wadi Sahba, the Gulf Coast and Rub Al
Khali. The Alat and Khobar Limestone sub-divisions are respectively 80 m and 20 m
in depth below the surface. The Dammam aquifer discharges into springs in the Qatif
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area, into submarine springs off the coast, and upward into the overlying Neogene
aquifer.
The Umm Er Radhuma formation is composed of light-colored, dense limestones,

dolomitic limestone and dolomites. The formation extends from the Iraq-Jordan
border in a 50 km to 100 km wide broad band southward for approximately 1,200
km. The Umm Er Radhuma formation is approximately 240 m thick at Wadi Batin,
increasing toward the east and south to 435 m in Rub Al Khali, to 500 m just north of
Hofuf, and approximately 700 m in areas east of Hofuf. Recharge to the Umm Er
Radhuma is through direct infiltration over the outcrop from seasonal rainfall and
wadi runoff. As in other aquifers in the Kingdom, recharge in the Umm Er Radhuma
is limited, with the studies revealing that an estimated 4 to 8 mm out of an average
annual rainfall of 60 mm in the Eastern Province infiltrates the aquifer.
Potable quality of groundwater in these formations has deteriorated over the years.
Higher salinity levels have been reported in all three formations (i.e. Neogene,
Dammam and Radhuma). This could be attributed to the excessive extraction for
domestic, industrial and agricultural processes. Recent estimates indicate that as of
2005 up to 500-600 million cubic meters (MCM) are extracted annually from the
three formations (refer Figure 4.15). The increased extraction has proportionately
higher contents of dissolved solids making the water less potable without treatment.
The present extent of contamination in the aquifers in the eastern province of the
Kingdom has been investigated by various research and government agencies. From
review of studies that have been conducted on confined resources, there is no direct
evidence of contamination in either the Dammam or Umm Er Radhuma formations
by hydrocarbons, metals or chemicals. Given the proximity of the Neogene aquifer to
the surface, some localized contamination is likely around pollution sources.
However, loss of groundwater quality, in particular from the Dammam formation,
has been reported in Bahrain as result of sea water intrusion (UN, 1995). Further, in
the long term, contamination of these resources could occur if there is any direct or
accidental infiltration of pollutants through the outcrops which are located westwards
(i.e. central Saudi Arabia).
Recent steady state estimations of the Dammam and Umm Er Radhuma formation
indicate that approximately 1.3 million m3 of water enters the aquifer from the
recharge outcrops that are located on the western sides of the aquifer. Approximately
850,000 m3 leaves the formation daily from the eastern boundaries. Additionally
about 200,000 m3 of water is discharged into the upper Dammam formation from the
lower Umm Er Radhuma formation. Steady state modeling of observed and predicted
well heads (Abdulrahman et al, 2007) are presented in Figure 4.16.
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Figure 4.15: TDS Vs Extraction Rates (1967-2005) (SAWEA Workshop, 2007)
Figure 4.16: Observed and Calculated Heads (AbdulRahman et al, 2007)
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4.6 SURFACE WATER, DESALINATED WATER AND TREATED

WASTEWATER
4.6.1.1 Surface Water
The Kingdom is located within an extremely arid region with low average rainfall
and very limited surface water. There are no perennial rivers in the Kingdom;
however, there is limited surface runoff through low quantities of rainfall. The
surface water is a result of floods that flow through wadis for short durations. The
annual runoff in Saudi Arabia is estimated at 2,230 million cubic meters (MCM)
(Autbman, 1988) with an average annual rainfall of between 25 mm to 150 mm
(MAW, 1988).
Most of the water runoff occurs in southwest Saudi Arabia (approximately 1,450
MCM), including the western coastal area linked to the Sarawat mountain ranges.
Though the escarpment represents less than 10% of the area of the Kingdom, more
than 60% of water flows are found in this region. Surface water here flows east of the
Sarawat Mountains or toward west of the low inland regions. The remaining 40% of
total water runoff occurs in the far south of the western coast (Tihamah), which
covers only 2% of the total area of the Kingdom.
Major water flows are likely in basins of Wadi Bisha and Wadi Najran. Other
important wadis include Wadi Rumah in the central region, Wadi Al Sarhan in the
northern region, and Wadi Khulais and Wadi Fatima in the western region. Water is
also found in the sediment of these wadis.
There are 90 wadis in the Tihamah Plain alone of which 36 of them have special
importance. The mean flows in northern Tihamah amounted to 310 MCM annually in
the last ten years, most of it draining to the sea. As a result several dams have been
constructed on selected sites in the wadi courses to utilize the water flows for
agriculture or to recharge underground aquifers. Approximately 223 dams of varying
types and sizes were constructed (as of 2004), with a total storage capacity of 835.6
MCM, largely for groundwater recharge, flood control, and irrigation. The largest
dam, King Fahad bin Abdulaziz Dam at Bisha can store 325 MCM while Najran
Dam can store 86 MCM. The available surface water from the installation of the
dams is an important resource for the Kingdom due to its good quality.
4.6.1.2 Desalinated Water

Saudi Arabia is the largest producer of desalinated water in the world. The Saline
Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), since its establishment in 1974, has played
an important role in providing potable water supply in the Kingdom. The corporation
has constructed more than 30 desalination and power plants (2004) with a daily water
July 23, 2014 99 | P a g e

output of more than 2 MCM (refer Figure 4.17). Major SWCC desalination plants are
located in 15 different sites, 12 of which are on the Red Sea, producing 0.793 MCM
per day. Other sites are on the Arabian Gulf coast, producing 1.145 MCM per day
(SWCC, 1997). Some of the plants are confined to seawater desalination while others
produce drinking water and generate electricity.
In 2006, approximately 1.03 km3 of desalinated water was produced. The water
produced is largely used for municipal purposes. Quantities of desalinated water
produced cover approximately 48% of municipal uses. Desalinated water produced in
the Kingdom is also exported to distant cities or regions. For example, in 2004,
approximately 528 MCM produced on the western coast was exported to the City of
Jeddah, while 536 MCM produced on the east coast was exported to the City of
Riyadh.
4.6.1.3 Treated Wastewater

Treated wastewater in the Kingdom is increasingly being reused for irrigation. The
City of Riyadh uses 40,000 m3/day of treated wastewater for irrigation. Treated
wastewater is now used in cities such as Taif, Jeddah, and Makkah, for landscaping
(refer Figure 4.18). Saudi Aramco treats wastewater at Mubarraz, Dhahran and
Tanajeeb to a tertiary level for unrestricted irrigation. In Yanbu treated sanitary
wastewater is reused for irrigation, water for landscape development while treated
industrial wastewater is used as reclaimed water for fire fighting and other industrial
uses.
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Figure 4.17: Locations of Desalination Plants in KSA
Figure 4.18: Treated Sanitary Effluents Reuse Potential in Saudi Arabia
Source: Ministry of Water and Electricity (MOWE), Water Resources Development Department,
December 2010.
4.6.1.4 Water Consumption in the Kingdom

Table 4.7 below refers to water consumption in the Kingdom by different sectors.
Comprehensive development in the agricultural, industrial, social, and construction
sectors have led to a significant increase in water consumption. Agriculture is the
largest consumer of water in Saudi Arabia (refer Figures 4.19 to 4.21). There is also a
significant increase in water consumption by the municipal, recreational, and
industrial sectors.
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Irrigated areas have increased from approximately 0.5 m ha in 1975, to

approximately 1.62 m ha in 1992. In 1992 irrigation water consumption was
approximately 94% of total national use (Dabbagh and Abderrahman, 1997). In 2006
total water withdrawal was at 23.7 km3, a 40% increase compared to 1992 levels. Of
this, 88% was used for agriculture, 9% for municipal use, and 3% by industry. The
boom in desert agriculture tripled water used for irrigation from 6.8 km3 in 1980 to
approximately 21 km3 in 2006.
Table 4.7: Water Consumption in KSA (2009)

Quantity (BCM/a)
Desalinated Seawater 1.2
Renewable Water Resources 2.4
Non-Renewable Groundwater Resources 15.1
Total Water Consumption 18.7

Source: Ministry of Water and Electricity (MOWE), Water Resources Development Department, December
2010.
Figure 4.19: Growth in Agricultural, Industrial, and Domestic Water Demands in Saudi Arabia
Figure 4.20: Water Supply in Saudi Arabia (MCM)
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Figure 4.21: Surface Water Usage in Saudi Arabia
Source: Earth Trends, 2003

Drinking Water Supply
Drinking water to the region is delivered from two main sources. The first is from
desalinated seawater through special pipes from desalination plants in Jubail on the
Arabian Gulf, which represents 60% of total water feeding the city. The second
source is from the local artesian wells making up 40% of the total water supply. The
extent of coverage of water networks reached 73% of the population in 2007 [Source
ADA].
4.7 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY

4.7.1 General Overview of Vegetation in the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia consists of a number of broad geographic regions with a mosaic of
habitats whose characteristics reflect the kind of plant communities they support.
There are approximately 32 major vegetation communities in Saudi Arabia of which
the prominent species within these communities include those belonging to the genus
Acacia, Calligonum, Haloxylon, Lycium, Rhanterium, Salsola, and
Suaeda(Chaudhary, 1999).
There is a diverse range of fauna in Saudi Arabia considering its pivotal location
between Africa and Eurasia, allowing elements of both regions to intermingle. Fauna
in the Kingdom consist of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. There are 79 living
species of mammals in the Kingdom, belonging to 25 families in eight orders
(Abuzinada, 2005). Mammalian fauna include terrestrial and marine species. Four
species have become extinct over the last 500 years and include the Asiatic lion,
Asiatic cheetah, Saudi gazelle and the Onager. The Arabian oryx too that was present
in large numbers had been killed to extinction in the wild, until the NCWCD
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introduced the captive breeding and reintroduction programmes in the Established

Protected Areas.
The avifauna of the Kingdom reflects its position between the three distinctive
biogeographical zones: Ethiopian to the west, the west Palaearctic to the north and
the Orient to the east. The Kingdom also lies in one of the most important north-
south and east-west migratory pathways for birds. There are over 432 species of birds
belonging to 67 families in the Kingdom of which about 180 breed in the Kingdom
(Abuzinada, 2005). Of these breeding species 45 are of Ethiopian origin, 30 of
Asiatic origin and the rest of Palaearctic origin. There are 11 endemic and three near-
endemic bird species in Saudi Arabia of which nine of the endemics are present both
in southwestern Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Six of the 11 are Afro tropical, four are
Palaearctic and one Indo-Malaysian.
Most birds in the Kingdom have affinities with neighboring zoogeographic regions,
however, it is suggested that at least five species originated in Saudi Arabia and
include the Arabian warbler, Abyssinian sunbird, white-breasted white eye, Ruppell’s
weaver and the golden-winged grosbeak.
Reptiles are among the most well adapted fauna to the harsh conditions in the
Kingdom with the presence of about 103 species of reptiles and seven species of
amphibians. This includes about 60 species of lizards belonging to seven families, 34
species of snakes (eight families), and nine species of turtles (five families).
Protected Areas
The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD)
was established in the Kingdom in 1986 by Royal Decree with one of the aims being
to develop and implement plans and projects drawn up to preserve wildlife in its
natural environment and to propose the establishment of protected areas and reserves
for wildlife in the Kingdom, and to execute relevant laws and regulations. To date the
NCWCD has created about 11 wildlife reserves and 15 protected areas constituting
about 5% of the total land area and conserve approximately 43% of the Kingdom’s
flora (refer Figure 4.22 and Table 4.8 below). The NCWCD has identified 104 sites
(marine and terrestrial) to be declared as protected areas, including areas with key
biotopes and landscape features and covering habitats of critical species.
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Figure 4.22: NCWCD Established Protected Areas/Wildlife Research Centers in the Kingdom
Abbreviated Terms:
NI Nubian Ibex
HRF Hares & Ruppell’s Fox
Gz Gazelles
AW Arabian Wolf
SC Sand Cat
AO Arabian Oryx
RH Rock Hyrax
Mn Mongoose
Cr Caracal
Rt Ratel
Table 4.8: NCWCD Protected Areas in the Kingdom

Area Name Area (km2) Year Declared
Harrat Al Harrah 13,775 1987
Al Khunfah 20,450 1987
At Tubayq 12,200 1989
Mahazat as Sayd 2,141 1988
Ibex Reserve 2,369 1988
Uruq Bani Ma’arid 5,500 1994
Raydah Escarpment 9 1989
Al Jubail Marine Wildlife 4,262 1995
Umm Al Qamari Island 1,600 1987
Farasan Islands 600 1989
Saja/Um ar Rimth 5,500 1995
Nafud Al Urayq 1,900 1995
At Taysiyah 2,855 1995
Al Jandaliyah 1,160 1995
Disturbances to desert ecosystem

Desert encroachment and drought are two major natural disturbances operating in the
desert rangelands (Abuzinada, 2005). Sand dune movement, unsustainable use of
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natural resources and drought are the major cause for environmental degradation of
plant species in the Kingdom.
Desert rangeland that includes dwarf-shrub steppes and arid grasslands cover
approximately 1,700,000 km2 or 76% of the Kingdom. These areas are not in a state
of equilibrium as they are event-driven systems whose state is determined largely by
rainfall. However, over-exploitation and disregard for ecological processes that drive
such systems have resulted in significant changes over the past century.
Development of traditional nomadic pastoralism due to general aridity and its erratic
nature took advantage of the highly variable availability of plants. Historically, due to
the availability of forage limited livestock numbers (that in turn, regulated human
populations), there was a dynamic equilibrium that checked serious environmental
degradation.
However, the introduction of water tankers, stock trucks, widespread water

boreholes, supplementary feeds and veterinary services have changed resource use in
rangeland dramatically. In general, the higher income levels among livestock owners
have led to an increase in the number of herds they own and employ herders. As a
result the livestock numbers have increased far beyond the carrying capacity of
rangelands and have caused increased desertification, replacement of palatable shrubs
and grasses by unpalatable species and species extinction.
The major threats to rangelands and terrestrial flora in Saudi Arabia and the project
areas include (Abuzinada, 2003, and Jacob Thomas):
 Uncontrolled grazing of sheep, goats and camel (especially where they are
provided with supplementary feed).
 Poor management of rangeland resources.
 Changes in agricultural practices, expansion of areas cultivated, unsuitable
agricultural practices (excessive use of water), loss of traditional knowledge
from changes in practices, and migration of people from rural to urban areas.
 Conversion of the most productive rangeland to more intensive agriculture.
 Pollution: Dumping of wastes especially in wadis, industrial and urban
pollution and landfilling/reclamation of coastal and marine areas.
 Excessive harvest of woody shrubs for firewood.
 Long periods of drought.
 Population growth and expansion of urban areas.
 Damage through off-road driving and excessive, unsustainable or poorly
regulated recreational use of natural areas.
 Widespread dieback of Juniperus species woodlands that has changed the
structure of woodlands. This is expected to change the characteristics of fauna
too in these areas as vegetation changes.
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 Threats from exotic plants in isolated areas and habitats, largely due to severity
of the climate.
(Extensive grazing of shrubs has also been observed along the FDEWG-1 pipeline
route as evident from stumps and the grazed conditions of the perennial vegetation).
The major threats to terrestrial fauna in Saudi Arabia include (Abuzinada, 2003):
 Changes in agricultural practices.
 Range reclamation and use of natural areas for expanding farming.
 Tree cutting and firewood collection.
 Wetland drainage for land reclamation.
 Development of infrastructure, construction of new roads, industrial
complexes.
 Uncontrolled urbanization and lack of awareness.
 Introduction of alien and invasive species.
 Overgrazing by domestic herds.
 Overhunting and the use of off-road vehicles.

The proposed project area is located in the Gulf Coast Agroclimatic Zone of the
Kingdom, which is sparsely vegetated and has low potential for agricultural activities.
This is largely attributable to the poor soil quality represented by saline, porous and
calcareous conditions. The region extends around 50 to 120 km westward from the
coastline. The floral communities therefore are adapted to the humid, low
precipitation, high pan evaporation and extreme desert climatic conditions that
characterize the area. The major vegetation communities are those typical to coastal
and sabkha environments (refer Figure 4.26) comprising typically drought deciduous,
dry shrub and thorn woodlands. Table 4.9 provides a brief description of the floral
communities and their member species typical of this agroclimatic zone.
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Figure 4.26: Distribution of Plant Communities in Saudi Arabia
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Table 4.9: Eastern Province Floral Communities and Species

Community
Plant Community Description Description
Members
 Rhanterium epapposum is commonly called
Arfaj of Arabia.
 Its distribution is limited to certain parts of
Saudi Arabia.
 Grows in well drained areas such as shallow to
moderately deep sand sheets in limestone
Rhanterium areas or pockets of soil in rocky areas or
Habitat for this community includes extensively gravelly areas with or epapposum loamy sand. R. epapposum cannot tolerate
without shallow to deep sand-sheet regions. standing water for any duration of time.
Major components of the community include Rhanterium epapposum with  R. epapposum has special adaptations to
occasional stands of Lycium shawii and intrusions of Haloxylon survive high summer temperatures.
Rhanterium salicornicum. Rhazya stricta may be present in good stands; however, the  It is a good range plant, but is under increasing
Rhanterium range is rapidly being replaced by Rhazya stricta. grazing pressure.
This community is accompanied by other herbaceous annuals and
perennials.
 Lycium shawii is widely distributed in the
Kingdom and is commonly known as Ausaj or
Aushaiz.
Lycium shawii  It is a hardy shrub usually severely grazed by
livestock.
 There are two other species of Lycium in the
Kingdom.
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Community
Members
 Rhazya stricta is commonly known as Harmal

and can grow up to 75 cm in height.
 Leaves are leathery oleander-like but small
and spirally arranged on branches.
 In a good range only occasional stands of R.
Rhazya stricta
stricta are observed.
 Rhazya stricta can be used as an indicator of
the degree of degradation as it increases in
numbers and size with increased degradation
of rangeland.
 Haloxylon salicornicum is commonly

known as the Rimth, forming community
complexes in various habitats
 A widespread plant in the Kingdom,
Habitat for this community includes gentle undulating alluvial basins and Haloxylon salicornicum can withstand
bare gravelly areas present as part of the landscape. considerable salinity and periodic
Community members include winter annuals and perennial herbs flooding of short duration in areas with
Haloxylon Haloxylon
Shrubs and perennials of the community include Haloxylon salicornicum, better drainage.
salicornicum salicornicum
Halothamnus iraqensis, Anabasis setifera, Convolvulus oxyphyllus, Zilla  An important constituent of perennials in
spinosa, Artemisia sieberi, Stipagrostis plumose and Blepharis ciliaris. the Kingdom, it provides food when no
other forage is available in rangelands.
 Haloxylon salicornicum produces seeds in
early winter and bear large amounts of
winged fruit containing seed with short
viability.
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Community
Members
 Both these species have short dense hairs with

Calligonum
Calligonum-Artemisia monosperma community: greenish yellow and red fruits.
comosum and
Found in very deep sand forming high sand dunes. Members of this  They are excellent range plants adapted for
Calligonum
community occupy the shoulders, leeward edges and upper slopes of sand deep sands. However, overgrazing can destroy
arabicum
dunes. Although patchy, the community offers a significant browse over these shrubs.
extensive sand dune areas.
The three components may be present intermixed with each other or form
separate clumps on sand dunes. Of these, Artemisia monosperma is rarely
grazed while the others are grazed to varying extents depending on the Artemisia  Characteristic of deep sand areas, this species
amount of other browse available in the vicinity. Calligonum with its three monosperma is rarely grazed because of its bitter taste.
Calligonum –
species found in Saudi Arabia is the most important shrub of deep sand
Artemisia
regions. With their extensive deep root systems and surface water
monosperma –
harvesting roots, these shrubs are the only woody plants found in sand
Stipagrostis drarii
dune areas. Members of this community include Calligonum comosum,
Calligonum arabicum, and Artemisia monosperma among others.  Artemisia sieberi is a palatable range plant
Artemisia sieberi forming plant communities in fine soils.
Artemisia monosperma-Stipagrostis drarii community: However, it is under extreme grazing pressure.
This community is found occupying small sand dunes present in the
landscape. Due to high levels of grazing and human interference, this
community is severely threatened.  Stipagrostis drarii is an important and
Members of this community include Acacia tortilis, Lycium shawii, and prominent grass species characteristic of deep
Artemisia sieberi Stipagrostis drarii
sand areas in the Kingdom. Camels graze on
this species when other vegetation is scarce.
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To determine the status of terrestrial ecology at the project site, field surveys
were carried out on the 26th and 27th, and in between 28th and 30th of May
2014, during which a comprehensive assessment of the entire pipelines
corridors and the surrounding areas was performed by a team of experts. Prior
to the assessment of the pipelines corridors, three environmental components
were determined for terrestrial flora and fauna. These included the following:
 Vegetation: Plant species and communities and percentage cover.
 Landforms: Nature of the habitat and land use pattern.
 Fauna: Species and their density (observed by holes and marks and
video recording).
The pipelines routes were covered by 4X4 vehicles. Visual observation,

photography and type specimens were collected during the survey. These
specimens were identified up to the lowest possible taxonomical hierarchy
using standard taxonomical reference.
The project consists mainly of two areas. The first area (i.e., the routes of
FDKG-1, FDWTG-1, FDWDL-1 and RTR non metallic water) extends from
27° 7'15.44"N 49°21'27.45"E (near Khursaniyah gas plant) and end at 27°
7'22.47"N; 49° 4'51.69"E. while the other area (i.e., the route of FDEWG-1
pipeline) starts from the point where the first corridor ends at 25°36'18.14"N;
48°53'13.33"E (Figure 4.27). For better presentation, the pipeline routes are
divided into 11 sections of which 52 type stations were selected and observed
for detailed study. The geographical coordinates of the stations are presented
in Table 4.10.
Figure 4.27: Flora and Fauna Surveyed along the Proposed Pipeline’ Corridors
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Table 4.10: 52 Stations Selected for the Flora and Fauna Study
Station ID GPS Coordinates
1 27° 7'15.44"N 49°21'27.45"E
2 27° 7'22.35"N 49°21'18.20"E
3 27° 7'31.83"N 49°21'17.88"E
4 27° 7'50.99"N 49°20'52.21"E
5 27° 7'58.32"N 49°20'50.68"E
6 27° 8'56.28"N 49°19'33.41"E
7 27° 9'1.29"N 49°19'28.25"E
8 27°10'29.93"N 49°15'45.84"E
9 27°10'15.53"N 49°15'37.57"E
10 27°10'14.75"N 49°15'34.82"E
11 27°10'9.20"N 49°15'27.96"E
12 27°10'7.86"N 49°15'19.70"E
13 27°10'0.50"N 49°15'10.52"E
14 27° 9'53.59"N 49°15'8.74"E
25 27° 8'30.81"N 49° 9'41.15"E
26 27° 8'29.04"N 49° 9'32.79"E
27 27° 8'27.99"N 49° 9'29.61"E
28 27° 7'38.89"N 49° 5'28.27"E
29 27° 7'22.47"N 49° 4'51.69"E
FDEWG-01 27° 7'19.08"N 49° 4'53.67"E
FDEWG-02 27° 7'34.56"N 49° 5'28.12"E
FDEWG-03 27° 3'41.68"N 49° 7'35.29"E
FDEWG-04 26°54'4.06"N 49° 7'45.06"E
FDEWG-05 26°54'9.14"N 49°14'41.08"E
FDEWG-06 26°53'8.97"N 49°15'58.22"E
FDEWG-07 26°43'8.03"N 49°15'49.34"E
FDEWG-08 26°21'19.14"N 49°13'19.84"E
FDEWG-09 26° 5'27.50"N 49°14'36.59"E
FDEWG-10 26° 4'10.26"N 49°13'41.15"E
FDEWG-11 26° 4'1.67"N 49°13'30.01"E
FDEWG-12 26° 3'26.43"N 49°12'20.42"E
FDEWG-13 26° 3'10.38"N 49°11'51.96"E
FDEWG-14 26° 3'4.14"N 49°11'44.60"E
FDEWG-15 26° 2'57.11"N 49°11'41.11"E
FDEWG-16 26° 2'25.90"N 49°11'36.92"E
FDEWG-17 26° 2'10.00"N 49°11'33.60"E
FDEWG-18 26° 1'42.02"N 49°11'15.93"E
FDEWG-19 26° 0'25.59"N 49°10'42.37"E
FDEWG-20 25°57'47.17"N 49°10'22.02"E
FDEWG-21 25°45'14.73"N 49°10'31.28"E
FDEWG-22 25°45'12.82"N 49°10'29.12"E
FDEWG-23 25°45'10.38"N 49°10'31.35"E
FDEWG-24 25°43'46.48"N 49°10'32.34"E
FDEWG-25 25°42'21.06"N 49° 6'56.55"E
FDEWG-26 25°41'48.11"N 49° 6'21.63"E
FDEWG-27 25°38'15.37"N 48°57'42.24"E
FDEWG-28 48°57'42.24"E 48°57'37.25"E
FDEWG-29 25°36'54.42"N 48°54'24.23"E
FDEWG-30 25°36'52.61"N 48°54'18.09"E
FDEWG-31 25°36'33.67"N 48°53'31.37"E
FDEWG-32 25°36'19.95"N 48°53'19.17"E
FDEWG-33 25°36'18.14"N 48°53'13.33"E
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Section 1
This section of the proposed pipelines begins near WGP at 27°7'15.44"N;
49°21'27.45"E and extends up to 27°9'1.29"N; 49°19'28.25"E. The length of
this section is approximately 6 km. Furthermore, this section passes through
an existing pipeline corridor and the land was previously cleared and the
clearance activities are still observed with temporary access roads for trucks
and equipments. Seven stations were studied in detail during the terrestrial
ecological survey (refer Figure 4.28). The stations observed and the biotopes
description in this section is presented in Table 4.11 below and Figure 4.29
shows the flora and fauna habitats observed.
Figure 4.28: Section 1 of the Proposed Pipeline’
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Table 4.11: Description of the Landforms and their Features in Section 1

Station Landforms Flora Fauna Remarks
ID
1 Sandy/Sabkha >1% Industrial area; Parallel to existing pipelines;
ongoing land clearance and other construction
activities; High tension power line corridor and
access roads.
2 Sandy >1% Parallel to existing pipelines; ongoing land
clearance and other construction activities
3 Sandy >1%, Parallel to existing pipelines; ongoing land
few clearance and other construction activities; High
Trees tension power line corridor and access roads.
4 Sandy >1% Parallel to existing pipelines; ongoing land
clearance and other construction activities; High
tension power line corridor and access roads.
5 Sand with >1% Parallel to existing pipelines; High tension
boulders/Sabkha power line corridor and access roads.
6 Small sabkha >1% Parallel to existing pipelines; Temporary
Bedouin camps
7 Sand Plains >1% Parallel to existing pipelines; ongoing land
clearance activities; High tension power line
corridor.
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Figure 4.29:Landforms, Flora and Fauna at the Selected Stations at Section 1
The vegetation is very poor in this area with less than 1% cover. Three species
of plants were observed in this area and are presented in Table 4.12. Faunal
density is very low and no fauna were observed during the survey.
Table 4.12: Plant Species Observed in Section 1

Sl No Plants Species:
1 Phoenix dactylifera
2 Salsola arabica
3 Zygophyllum mandavillei
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Section 2
This approximate length of this section is 3 km and extends from
27°10'29.93"N; 49°15'45.84"E to 27° 9'53.59"N; 49°15'8.74"E (refer Figure
4.30). Seven stations were surveyed in this section during the study.
This section of the pipeline corridor passes near Khursaniyah Gas Plant and is
parallel to the existing (KRT) corridor for most of its length. The area is
previously cleared and levelled and the vegetation cover is low and only few
date palm trees were observed in the first three stations. The area is mostly
sandy with 5% grass and some temporary Bedouin settlements and live stock
grazing. The description of the observation for this section is presented in
Table 4.13 and Figure 4.31 shows the habitats, flora and fauna observed.
Figure 4.30: Section 2 of the Proposed Pipeline’

ID
8 Sandy 2% Near industrial facility; Parallel to
grass; existing pipelines; High tension power
few line corridor
trees
9 Sand with 2% Near industrial facility Parallel to
pebbles existing pipelines; High tension power
line corridor
10 Sand with 2%, Camel/sheep Near industrial facility Parallel to
pebbles pastures existing pipelines; Temporary Bedouin
camps
11 Sand with 2% Near industrial facility Parallel to
pebbles existing pipelines; High tension power
line corridor
12 Sand plains >5% Camel/sheep Near industrial facility; Parallel to
pastures; Lizard existing pipelines; High tension power
line corridor
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ID
13 Sand plains >5% Camel/sheep Near industrial facility Parallel to
pastures existing pipelines; High tension power
line corridor
14 Saudi Aramco Not accessed
Industrial area
Figure 4.31: Landforms, Flora and Fauna at the Selected Station in Section 2
Plant species observed in this section during the survey is presented in Table
4.14.

2 Centropodia fragilis
3 Rostraria pumila
4 Hordeum murinum
5 Zygophyllum mandavillei
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Section 3
This section of the corridor (Figure 4.32) passes in close proximity to the
Saudi Aramco industrial facility (KGP) where photos are prohibited.
However, in general the area is largely a Sabka environment with no
vegetation.
Figure 4.32: Section 3 of the Proposed Pipelines
Section 4
This section of the proposed pipeline corridor starts at 27° 8'30.81"N; 49°
9'41.15"E and ends at 27° 7'22.47"N; 49° 4'51.69"E (refer Figure 4.33). Five
stations were observed in this section. The description of the observations in
this section is detailed in Table 4.15 and Figure 4.34 illustrates the habitats,
flora and fauna observed. Additionally, mining activities and crusher activities
were also observed in Section 4.
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Figure 4.33: Section 4 of the Proposed Pipelines

ID
25 Sand with boulders >1% Crusher area; Sand mining
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Figure 34: Landforms, Flora and Fauna at the Selected Stations in Section 4
Plant species observed in this section during the survey are detailed in Table
4.16.

3 Rostraria pumila
4 Hordeum murinum
5 Hyperrhenia hirta
5 Calligonum comosum
7 Cenchrus ciliaris
Section 5: FDEWG-1
This section of the pipeline starts from 27°7'19.08"N; 49°4'53.67"E and
extends up to 26°54'9.14"N; 49°14'41.08"E with an approximate length of 37
km (refer Figure 4.35). Observations were made all along the new corridor
and five (5) stations were studied in detail. Observations in this section are
presented in Table 4.17 and Figure 4.36 illustrates the habitats, flora and fauna
observed.
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Figure 4.35: Section 5 of the Proposed FDEWG-1Pipeline

ID
FDEWG-01 Sand Plains 5% Camel Grazing, shrubs and
grass
FDEWG-02 Sand Plains 5% Grass Camel Grazing, shrubs and
hoppers grass
FDEWG-03 Sand Plains 5% Lizards, Camel Grazing, temporary
Lawn Beetle Bedouin camps
(Pentodon
algerinum)
FDEWG-04 Sand Plains with 10% Animal Camel Grazing, temporary
pebbles bordering burrows Bedouin camps
a small sabkha
FDEWG-05 Sand Plains 5% Few bushes and grass
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Vegetation cover in this section is moderate with 5-10% coverage and

composed of grass with bushes. Camel grazing was frequently observed in this
section while Bedouin settlement were observed near Station FDEWG-03.
Plant species observed in this section of the survey are detailed in Table 4.18.

Sl No Plants Species
2 Hordeum murinum
3 Stripagrostis ciliata
4 Cenchrus ciliaris
5 Plantago boissieri
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Section 6: FDEWG 6-9

This section of the pipeline (refer Figure 4.37) is approximately 100 km in
distance, starting at 26°53'8.97"N; 49°15'58.22"E and ending at26° 5'27.50"N;
49°14'36.59"E. Four (4) stations were studied in detail along the new corridor.
Observations for this section are presented in Table 4.19 and Figure 4.37
shows the habitats, flora and fauna observed.
Figure 4.37: Section 6 of the Proposed FDEWG-1 Pipeline

ID
FDEWG-06 Sand plains with 5% Camel Grazing; shrubs and
small dunes grass
FDEWG-07 Sand Plains 5% Camel Grazing; grass
FDEWG-08 Sand Plains 5-10% Camel Grazing; temporary
Bedouin camps
FDEWG-09 Sand Plains 5% Camel Grazing; power line
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Plant species observed in this section during the survey are presented in Table
4.20.

Sl No Plants Species
2 Hordeum murinum
3 Panicum turgidum
4 Astragalus sp.
5 Tribulus arabicus
6 Aristida adscensionis
7 Unidentified sp.1
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This approximately 5 km section of the proposed FDEWG-1 pipeline (Figure
4.38) extends between 26° 4'10.26"N; 49°13'41.15"E and 26° 3'10.38"N;
49°11'51.96"E. Four (4) stations were observed in detail, and observations for
this section are presented in Table 4.21 while Figure 4.39 illustrates the
habitats, flora and fauna observed.

ID
FDEWG-10 Sand plains with 3-5% Near existing corridor; Camel
small dunes Grazing; shrubs and grass;
power line
FDEWG-11 Sand Plains 3% Near existing corridor; Camel
Grazing; grass and climbers;
power line
FDEWG-12 Sand Plains; Small 5-10% Near existing corridor; Camel
dunes Grazing; Gathering lines; near
Riyadh road
Grazing; near water line
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4.22.

1 Hordeum murinum
2 Panicum turgidum
3 Astragalus sp.
4 Tribulus arabicus

This section of the proposed corridor (Figure 4.39) starts at 26°3'4.14"N;
49°11'44.60"E and extends up to 26°1'42.02"N; 49°11'15.93"E. Four (4)
stations were observed in detail, and observation for this section is provided in
Table 4.21 while Figure 4.40 illustrates the habitats, flora and fauna observed.
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ID
Grazing; near water line
Grazing; grass and climbers;
power line
FDEWG-16 Sand Plains 5-10% Near existing corridor; Camel
Grazing; South of Dammam
near Riyadh road
FDEWG-17 Sand Plains 5-10% Near existing corridor; Camel
Grazing; South of Dammam
near Riyadh road
FDEWG-18 Sand Plains with 5-10% Near existing corridor; Camel
pebbles Grazing; South of Dammam
near Riyadh road
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4.24.

1 Hordeum murinum
2 Panicum turgidum
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3 Astragalus sp.
4 Tribulus arabicus

This section of the proposed pipeline (Figure 4.41) starts at 26°0'25.59"N;
49°10'42.37"E and extends up to 25°45'10.38"N; 49°10'31.35"E. Five (5)
stations were observed in detail, and observations for the section are presented
in Table 4.25 while Figure 4.42 illustrates the habitats, flora and fauna
observed.

ID
FDEWG-19 Sand Plains 15- Animal Camel Grazing; Bedouin
20% burrows camps; grass
FDEWG-20 Sand Plains 15- Animal Camel Grazing; Bedouin
20% burrows camps; grass and shrubs
The corridor crosses the road between FDEWG 20 and 21
FDEWG-21 Sand Plains 2-5% Camel Grazing; Bedouin
camps; Power line
FDEWG-22 Sand Plains 2 Camel Grazing; Bedouin
camps; Power line
FDEWG-23 Sand Plains 2 Camel Grazing; Bedouin
camps; Power line
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Six plant species were identified during the survey at this section of the
pipeline corridor and are detailed in Table 4.26.

2 Hordeum murinum
4 Hyperrhenia hirta
5 Plantago ciliata
6 Picris babylonica

This section of the proposed corridor (refer Figure 4.43) starts at
25°43'46.48"N; 49°10'32.34"E and extends up to 25°38'13.84"N;
48°57'37.25"E. Five (5) stations were observed in detail, and observations for
this section are detailed in Table 4.27 while Figure 4.44 illustrates the habitats,
flora and fauna observed.
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ID
FDEWG-24 Generally Sand; at 2-5% Grass Signs of land clearance; near
places boulders and hopper to existing pipeline joint
pebbles
FDEWG-25 Sand Plains with 2-5% Animal Signs of land clearance; near
few moderate burrows to existing pipeline
mounts: dries
sabkha
FDEWG-26 Sand with pebbles 2% Signs of land clearance; near
and boulders to existing power line
bordering a dried
sabkha
FDEWG-27 Sand Plains with 2% Parallel to existing pipeline;
pebbles near to existing power line
FDEWG-28 Sand Plains with 2% Parallel to existing pipeline;
pebbles near to existing power line
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July 23, 2014 133 | P a g e

Plant species observed during the survey at this section of the pipeline corridor
are presented in Table 4.28.

2 Hordeum murinum
4 Hyperrhenia hirta
5 Plantago ciliata
6 Picris babylonica

The last section of the proposed pipeline (refer Figure 4.45) starts at
25°36'54.42"N; 48°54'24.23"E and extends up to 25°36'18.14"N;
48°53'13.33"E. Five (5) stations were observed in detail, and observations for
this section are detailed in Table 4.29 while Figure 4.46 illustrates the habitats,
flora and fauna observed.
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Table 4.29: Description of the landforms and their Features in Section 11

ID
FDEWG-29 Generally Sand; at 10-15% Signs of extensive land
places with pebbles clearance; near to existing
pipeline and power line;
Grazing area
FDEWG-30 Generally Sand; at 10-15% Signs of extensive land
places with pebbles clearance; near to existing
pipeline and power line;
Grazing area
FDEWG-31 Sand with pebbles 2% Cleared land; near to pump
and boulders stations and Storage tanks
bordering a dried
sabkha
FDEWG-32 Sand Plains with >2% Parallel to existing pipeline;
pebbles near to existing power line and
temporary road
FDEWG-33 Sand Plains with >2% Cleared land; near to pump
pebbles; at places stations
rocky
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Plant species observed during the survey at this section of the pipeline corridor
are presented in Table 4.30.

1 Hordeum murinum
3 Hyperrhenia hirta
4 Rhanterium epapposum
5 Cenchrus ciliaris
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Faunal Activity
Reptiles in the region include the sand viper, jayakars sand boa, small scaled
Dhubb, Arabian toad head, Arabian sand skink, and slevin’s ground Gecko.
Mammals include the jerboa, fox, hedgehog, hare, jackal, sand cat, and spiny
mouse. Birds are generally not found in the geographic region except for
species such as the Arabian babbler, brown-necked raven, cream-colored
courser, spotted sandgrouse, great grey shrike, stony curlew, blackstart, and
the desert lark among others.
A study was conducted by the King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh on the
snake fauna of the central and eastern region in the Kingdom. As part of the
investigation of the snake fauna of these regions, 211 specimens were
collected and subsequently identified. The specimens were found to comprise
of 14 species belonging to five families: Boidae, Colubridae, Elapidae,
Leptotyphlopidae and Viperidae. From their investigations the following are
the species of snakes present in the region:
 Jayakar’s Sand Boa Eryx jayakari
 Leaf-nosed Snake Lytorhynchus diadema arabicus
 Moila snake Malpolon moilensis
 Black Desert Cobra Walterinnesia aegyptia
 Horned Viper Cerastes cerastes gasperetti
 Rat Snake Coluber ventromaculatus
Other faunal activities that had been reported in the region includes the
following:
1. Desert fox (Vulpes rueppellii),
2. Dhub (Uromastyx aegyptius),
3. Jerboa (Jaculus jaculus),
4. Arabian Jird (Meriones arimalius)
5. Scorpions (Arabian fat-tailed - Androctonus crassicauda),
6. Owls (Pharaoh Eagle - Bubo ascalaphus),
7. Camels,
8. Birds (sparrows, pigeons, eagles, falcons etc)
9. Desert rodents
ECB carried out a faunal survey of the project areas using infra red motion
sensitive cameras (HCO ScoutGuard SG560V) installed at 4 locations for a
period of 24 hours. The cameras were mounted on 2 m high pipes and bait was
positioned around them (refer Figures 4.47 and 4.48). The purpose of the
survey was to detect the movement of any animals in these areas. If any faunal
activity is present near the cameras, the infrared radiation is detected by the
sensor, which then activates the camera. Faunal activities detected by the
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cameras at the 4 locations were largely restricted to the desert fox (during the
night as well as early in the morning) (refer Figures 4.49 a & b). Along the
FDEWG-1 corridor, domesticated camels, ant colonies and one unidentified
lizard of gecko family were observed during the survey.
Figure 4.47: Deployment of Motion Sensitive Cameras SG560V
Figure 4.48: Bait Positioned in Front of Camera
Figure 4.49 (a): Images of Desert Fox (Vulpes rueppelli) Captured near Fadhili
Figure 4.49 (b): Images of Desert Fox (Vulpes rueppelli) Captured near Fardaniyah Village
July 23, 2014 138 | P a g e

4.8 NOISE
Most activities that affect noise levels are located in industrial cities, city
centers, and other commercial areas. Ambient noise levels are generally higher
around Industrial Cities of Jubail and Yanbu, industries in Riyadh, Dammam,
and Jeddah, and including commercial and residential areas (from traffic and
other related activities). Little data exists on the details and extent of noise
emissions in Saudi Arabia.

The FDEWG-1 pipeline will be routed along predominantly unpopulated areas
while the other pipelines (FDKG-1, FDWTG-1, etc) will also be routed along
sparsely populated areas but with major industrial activities from the KGP,
quarry activities close to the sites of the WGP and FGP, and the on-going
construction activities at WGP. The residential community (Fardaniyah) close
to the project area will also likely contribute to noise levels. Other sources of
noise will include from movement of vehicles on major highways and smaller
roads close to the vicinity of the project areas, the noise levels of which will
depend on the traffic type and volumes.
To establish the background noise level along the proposed pipeline corridors,
5-minute spot measurements of noise were carried out at 21 locations. The
measurements were recorded between 26 and 28 May, 2014 using the Cirrus
Research’s Optimus Green Sound level meter model number CR: 171A,
mounted on a tripod which delivers Class 1 or Class 2 performance
measurements. The sound level meter was set to measure and record noise
levels every 5 minutes. Table 4.10 below provides a summary of noise
July 23, 2014 139 | P a g e

measurements at these locations. Calibration was carried out at the start and
subsequently at the end of each measurement.
Results of the survey indicate higher noise levels at the corridor along
industrial activity areas (Khursaniyah) and comparatively high levels along
highways, construction activities (WGP) and quarry operations.
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Table 4.10: Summary of 5-Minute Noise Measurements Conducted at the Project Site
GPS Highes Highest
Total Highest Lowest Highest Highest Temperat
Coordinates General Description of t LAF
Locations Noise Sources LAeq LC Peak LAF Min Ln3 (10) Ln5 (90) ure
Easting, Land Use LAeql Max
(dB) (dB) (dB) (dB) (dB) (o C)
Northing (dB) (dB)
Major noise sources are
On-going construction
from the on-going
E= 49.323237° activities for the Wasit
1 construction activities of 65.66 69.61 106.43 83.95 44.52 65.0 46.9 36.0
N=27.115008° Gas Plant, Quarry
the WGP and Quarry
operations nearby
operations
E= 49.33168° Open area along the
2 Open area 45.5 52.82 90.5 66.58 41.37 46.5 43.2 39.0
N=27.13855° corridor
E=49.19260° Pipeline corridor near Industrial activities from

3 80.19 52.38 91.51 65.34 38.78 49.0 41.2 41.0
N=27.14987° Khursaniyah Gas Plant the KGP
E=49.16133° Crossing Abu Hadriya Movement of vehicles on

4 72.31 74.0 100.64 82.33 51.49 77.2 59.2 42.0
N=27.14103° Highway Abu Hadriyah highway
Open area, close to the

E=49.13795° Quarry operations &
5 proposed Fadhili Gas 65.9 70.11 110.59 89.74 42.08 64.9 45.7 44.0
N=27.13525° trucks movements
Plant
6 Open area 46.55 53.88 90.89 67.3 42.09 46.8 44.1 46.0
7 Open area 46.73 53.16 97.44 66.52 38.65 49.7 40.2 47.0
8 Open area 43.25 45.36 81.31 54.1 39.77 43.9 40.7 39.0
9 Open area 48.58 58.25 91.12 77.27 35.6 45.7 37.8 44.0
10 Open area 40.61 49.3 91.02 62.43 33.13 43.0 34.3 44.0
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GPS Highes Highest

Northing (dB) (dB)
11 Open area 45.94 47.82 94.71 57.72 39.66 49.3 42.1 46.0
E= 49.222178 Open area along the
12 Open area 43.9 48.22 85.22 63.89 36.53 45.6 38.9 47.0
13 Open area 47.55 52.7 97.85 69.88 40.44 48.8 42.8 46.0
Area close to the
E= 49.195723° Vehicular movement
14 Dammam-Riyadh 54.31 57.34 100.67 72.28 48.49 56.3 50.7 47.0
N=26.051151° along the highway
Highway
15 Open area 41.37 46.6 82.82 65.01 35.52 40.9 37.2 46.0
Open area but occasional
E= 48.961733° Open area along the wind breeze during
16 48.17 52.7 98.75 63.98 37.77 51.0 40.0 39.0
N=25.637603° corridor survey elevated the
background noise.
E= 48.887035°
17 Area close to EWPS-1 Activities at EWPS-1 49.26 50.9 89.79 55.82 46.27 50.2 48.0 41.0
N=25.605039°
Area close to where
E= 49.02945° Vehicular movement
18 pipeline crosses 58.44 61.34 96.98 75.4 41.16 58.4 42.8 43.0
N=25.66695° along Highway 75
Highway 75
19 48.56 53.91 103.94 67.2 38.18 51.7 41.8 44.0
background noise.
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GPS Highes Highest

Northing (dB) (dB)

20 53.74 56.6 105.49 65.66 41.1 57.2 44.7 44.0
background noise.

21 54.32 58.86 106.99 70.46 42.34 57.7 46.0 45.0
background noise.
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4.9 SOCIOECONOMICS
Saudi Arabia is the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula with an area of about
865,000 square miles. The Kingdom is divided into thirteen administrative regions
namely Al Baha, Al Jouf, Asir, Eastern Province, Hail, Jizan, Madinah, Makkah, Najran,
Northern Border, Qasim, Riyadh, and Tabouk. Major cities in the Kingdom include
Riyadh (the capital), Jeddah, Dammam, Makkah, Madinah, Jubail, Yanbu, and Buraydah.
Governance
The Kingdom is a Monarchy, where the King is the final authority on governance. The
legal system is based on the Sharia’h. The King is assisted by a Council of Ministers and
various Ministries, which include:
1. Ministry of Interior: Responsible for internal security
2. Ministry of Defense and Aviation: Responsible for the army, air force and navy
3. Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals: Responsible for the oil and minerals sector
4. Ministry of Water and Electricity: Responsible for power and water supply and
wastewater treatment in the Kingdom
5. Ministry of Agriculture: Responsible for agricultural activities in the Kingdom
Tradition and Culture

The Kingdom is an Islamic country and therefore strictly follows Islamic principles.
Saudi nationals are accustomed to desert conditions and have adapted their lifestyles to
the climatic conditions and constraints. However in the recent past a significant
population have turned to agriculture, forming settlements around water resources or in
an oasis area.
There is also a significant migration to urban areas. High levels of urbanization in the
year 2007 surpassing 80% also characterize Saudi Arabia, and this percentage is expected
to reach 90% in 2050 with a projected average annual rate of around 1.5%, as estimated
by the population division of the United Nation (UN, World Urbanization Prospects, The
2007 Revision, 2008).
The social framework is derived from traditional and conservative Islamic principles. The
Kingdom has initiated steps towards empowerment of women within the Islamic
principles. Opportunities have been created for women to participate and benefit from
education and employment including entrepreneurial activities.
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Population
The total population in Saudi Arabia is just above 27 million (April 2010 General
Census) and this includes 8.42 million expatriates predominantly from south and south-
east Asia. The population growth rate for 2010 is estimated at 2.18% with life
expectancy at 75.67 years. The median age is 21.4 years with a male to female sex ratio
of 1.05:1. Indigenous people are ethnically composed of 90% Arabs and 10% Afro-
Asians. Till the 1960s the population was largely nomadic or semi-nomadic. However
due to rapid economic and urban growth, greater than 95% of the population has now
settled in urban centers.
Economy
The Kingdom’s economy is essentially oil-based. Recent estimates indicate that the
Kingdom holds the world's largest reserves of petroleum (approximately 26% of proven
total) and is the largest exporter of petroleum. The petroleum sector accounts for around
75% of budget revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings.
There are efforts to diversify the economy into various other sectors including mining,
downstream refining and processing, manufacturing sectors, tourism and hospitality and
others. It is for this purpose that Saudi Arabia acceded to the WTO in 2005.
Toward economic development, the Government initiated 5-year Economic Development

Plans from 1970 till present. The development plans utilize income from petroleum to
transform and diversify the economy. The main objectives of the 5-year plans from 1970
onwards are as summarized below:
• Saudi Arabia's first two development plans, covering the 1970s, emphasized
infrastructure.
• The third plan (1980-85), focused on education, health, and social services. It was
in this period that the industrial cities of Jubail and Yanbu were established.
• In the fourth plan (1985-90), the country's basic infrastructure was viewed as
largely complete, but education and training remained areas of concern.
• The fifth plan (1990-95) emphasized consolidation of the country's defences,
improved and more efficient government social services, regional development and
most importantly creating greater private-sector employment opportunities for
Saudis by reducing the number of foreign workers.
• The sixth plan (1996-2000) focused on lowering the cost of government services
and to expand educational training programs. The plan called for reducing the
Kingdom's dependence on the petroleum sector by diversifying economic activity
particularly in the private sector.
• The seventh plan (2000-2004) focused more on economic diversification and a
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greater role of the private sector in the Saudi economy.

• The eighth plan (2005-2010) again emphasized on economic diversification in
addition to education and inclusion of women in society with calls for establishing
new universities and new colleges with technical specializations.
Employment
The share of Saudi labour in total employment is around 44.9 %. The share of Saudi
nationals in total employment in the services sectors is around 51.3%, compared to 19%
in the production sectors. In the private sector, the Saudi workforce is around 38.9%,
compared to about 83.3% in the oil and gas sector and 79.8% in the governmental sector.
The majority of workforce is secondary or tertiary educated.
Health Care
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is responsible for the provision of preventive, curative
and rehabilitative health care in the Kingdom. In addition to managing public health care
facilities the ministry is also responsible for overall supervision of private health care
facilities.
The Kingdom has taken several steps toward improving health care as evident from a
recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) where the Kingdom has been
declared free from quarantine diseases such as cholera, plague and yellow fever. The
incidence of diphtheria and poliomyelitis are eradicated as per 2002 statistics and
incidence of hepatitis B, mumps and measles per 100,000 of the population has
significantly decreased.
The major diseases reported in the Kingdom include malaria, bilharzia and leishmaniasis.
Malaria continues to remain a problem in the Tihamah southern coastal plain, especially
in Jizan, Asir, and Al Qunfudhah. Bilharzia is a continuing problem in Jizan, Al Bahah,
Asir, Najran, Madinah, Al Jawf, Hail, and Al Taif. Cases of leishmaniasis have occurred
in almost every province with the expansion of agricultural lands, which provide
breeding grounds for disease carrying flies. Trachoma was considered one of the main
causes of blindness in the Kingdom despite programs designed to combat the disease.
Education
Table 4.11 lists detailed information on enrollment of students in schools in the
Kingdom.
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Table 4.11: Students in Saudi Arabia (2005-2006 data)

Adult
Special
Students Kindergarten Elementary Intermediate Secondary Education Total
Education
Elementary
Boys 0 1,144,938 532,646 460,010 17,205 22,623 2,177,422
Girls 29,688 1,103,303 493,246 422,434 4,802 62,441 2,115,914
Total 29,688 2,248,241 1,025,892 882,444 22,007 85,064 4,293,336
Economic Cities and Development

To diversify its economy and to expand its non-oil exports, Saudi Arabia continues with
its major plan to build economic cities. The development of industrial cities enables the
Kingdom’s drive toward economic diversification, job creation for its citizens
(Saudization), attracting local and foreign investment, effective and sustainable
urbanization with a high standard of living, and to catalyze economic growth to uplift the
region.
The industrial cities of Jubail and Yanbu were built in the 1970s and 1980s and helped in
the development of cutting-edge industrial infrastructure with a focus on petrochemical
industries.
The King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), at an estimated cost of SAR 300 billion,
covers 168 km2 and is located approximately 100 km north of Jeddah along the Red Sea
coast.
The Knowledge Economic City (KEC) is located in Madinah and costs approximately
SAR 25 billion. The city seeks to develop the Kingdom’s technology base and create
approximately 20,000 job opportunities.
The Prince Abdulaziz bin Mousaed Economic City (PABMEC) is located in Hail,
approximately 720 km north of Riyadh. The city is approximately 156 km2 in size and
will cost approximately SAR 30 billion upon completion in 2016.
The Jazan Economic City (JEC) is modeled to be an all-inclusive city similar to KAEC
and is located approximately 725 km south of Jeddah. The JEC will have heavy
industries as its key sector for investment along with other secondary industries.
According to the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the new
economic cities will contribute approximately SAR 560 billion to the Kingdom’s GDP by
2020. The cities are also expected to provide jobs for approximately 1.3 million people
along with an increase in per capita GDP to SAR 125,625 for people living in these cities.
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The pipelines for this project will be predominantly routed in unpopulated or sparsely
populated areas except for the pipelines from WGP to FGP through KGP where there are
on-going industrial activities. Fardaniyah village is in close proximity to the FDEWG-1
corridor. There are no schools or similar facilities within 400 m from the proposed
corridors.
The nearest major towns are Jubail (approximately 40 km southeast of WGP), Shedgum
(approximately 40 km east of FDEWG-1 corridor). The nearest habitation in the vicinity
of the proposed pipeline include villages adjoining Abu Hadriyah Highway, Dammam-
Riyadh Highway and Fardaniyah Village.
Area Location Classification studies based on applicable Saudi Aramco Engineering

Standards were completed for the Fadhili Downstream Pipelines project by JACOBS
ZATE in April 2014 (Saudi Aramco Doc. No A-PDI-FDWDL-1-Rev. C) and May 2014
(D56-A-PE-501001-Rev. B). These studies detailed the methodology used to evaluate the
population density along the proposed and existing pipeline corridors. The Population
Density Index (PDI) was calculated for each specific kilometer segment and one Rupture
Exposure Radius (RER) wide to each side of the proposed pipelines based on SAES-B-
064. Tables 4.12 and 4.13 list the details of the pipeline corridors, class location and
general description of the area.
Table 4.12: FDWDL-1 Pipeline Corridor Pipeline Class Location (Source: Jacobs ZATE/Saudi Aramco)
Pipeline
Design
Kilometer Location Description
Factor (D.F.)
Class
Cover FGP area and Fadhili p/l
0.00 to 6.996 KM Class 1 0.72
corridor
Cover old safaniyah asphalt road &
6.996 to 8.732 KM Class 2 0.60
Abu Hadriyah expressway
Covers field offices and SA KGP
8.732 to 11.912 KM Class 3 0.50
office buildings
11.912 to 27.905 KM Class 1 0.72 Cover KGP and KRT p/l corridors
Covers Wasit gas plant and the
27.905 to 32.838 KM Class-2 0.60 pipeline segment is adjacent to future
rail and asphalt road
*Pipeline Area Classification:
 Class 1: Undeveloped areas within the RER for which population density index for any 1 km segment is 10
or less.
 Class 2: Areas within RER for which the population density index is 11 through 30, or locations where
pipeline is adjacent to or crossing Saudi Government highways, roads, or railroads. The extent of class 2
area at such crossings will be 500 m or one RER distance whichever is less from either edge of highway,
road or railroad right-of-way.
 Class 3: Areas within RER for which the population density index is more than 30.
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 Class 4: Areas within the RER in which a school, hospital, hotel, prison, shopping mall, or similar retail
complex, or wedding hall is located, as well as any Location Class 3 areas which include buildings of more
than four occupied floors.
Table 4.13: FDEWG-1 Pipeline Corridor Pipeline Class Location (Source: Jacobs ZATE/Saudi Aramco)
Design
Pipeline
Kilometer Factor Description
Location Class*
(D.F.)
Includes FGP facilities and 150 m from plant
0.00 To 0.470 0.50
fence as per SAES-L-410 PARA.8.4
Unpopulated area
0.470 To 17.401 Class 1 0.72
Asphalt road crossing
17.401 To 18.401 Class 2 0.60
18.401 To 28.98 Class 1 0.72 Unpopulated areas

28.98 To 29.98 Class 2 0.60 Asphalt Road
Proposed Pipeline will cross express highway,
134.64 To 138.57 Class 2 0.60
Asphalt road and is adjacent to express Highway
162.19 To 163.19 Class 2 0.60 Asphalt road crossing
163.19 To 188.99 Class 1 0.72 Unpopulated area
188.99 To 189.99 Class 2 0.60 Asphalt Road
202.85 To 203.850 Class 3 0.50 RER covers the facilities of EWPS#1
4.10 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a wide range and diversity of historic sites of
archaeological value. These sites represent the civilizations, which have inhabited, been
influenced by, or have touched the Arabian Peninsula through its history. These include
the remains of Dedan near Al Ula, the monumental structures of Madain Saleh, and the
extensive ruins of the Qaryat Al Fau in the northern Empty Quarter.
The Qaryat Al Fau was a wealthy town on the spice and frankincense routes across
Arabia for around 1,400 years. It was abandoned when maritime routes gained
prominence and the trading center of Najran declined.
The ruins of Madain Saleh in the northwest of the Kingdom are located approximately
1,111 km northwest of Riyadh and approximately 402 km northwest of Madinah. It is a
2,000-year-old city that once marked the southern limits of the Nabataean civilization. It
is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to tourists.
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The town of Al Ula, near to Madain Saleh is on the route of the Hijaz Railway. The
railway was built in 1908. The railway was of importance during World War I. Old
railway engines and carriages have been put on display in the area around Al Ula. In the
surrounding desert remains of track-bed, derelict engine sheds, and abandoned stations
can be seen.
The Old Diriyyah Palace, situated in Wadi Hanifah, approximately 30 km north of

Riyadh, played a key role in the history of Saudi Arabia. It was the seat of the first
government of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdul Aziz bin Saud and is a symbol of the
Kingdom’s history, culture, and traditional architecture.

The Eastern Province of the Kingdom, is known for its cultural heritage and archaeology
from ancient periods. According to the Saudi Council for Tourism and Archaeology
(SCTA), settlements in the region date back 5,000 years. The earliest civilizations known
to have inhabited the area include the Canaanites, Phoenicians and Hulks developing the
region into an ancient hub for trade and agriculture. Since then with advent of Islam, the
region’s culture and traditional practices have been influenced with Islamic values. Table
4.14 and Figure 4.27 below list out the major sites of archaeological interest and cultural
heritage.
Table 4.14: Sites of Archaeological and Cultural Interest in the Eastern Region (SCTA, 2014)
Sl. Site Description Location
No
1 Dammam – Al Dawaser District First Built neighbor hood Dammam
2 North Rakha Village Ruins dating 1300 years back Dammam
3 Qatif Castle Among the Oldest Sites in the Qatif area Qatif
4 Mohammed Bin Abdul Wahab Al Palace built by Sheikh Al Fayhany in 1943. He Darin
Fayhany Palace & Tower at Darin was renowned poet and pearl dealer
5 Settlement of Jawan Ancient settlement Safwa/
Rahimah
6 Abu Luzza Steam Bath From medieval times representing local creativity Qatif
and conventional construction
7 City of Taroot Island Ruins from ancient periods Qatif
8 Tarut Castle Ruins from the medieval period Qatif/ Taroot
Island
9 Darin Port Oldest port in the Arabian Gulf Darin
10 Joatha Mosque Important mosque in the Hasa region dating to Al Hasa
period when sons of Abdul Qais converted to
Islam.
11 Ibrahim Palace Regional headquarters for the Ottoman Empire Al Hasa
(Hofuf)
12 Al Hasa National Park Opened in 1962 as part of the Desertification Al Hasa
programme
13 Jebel Garah Natural limestone caves Hofuf
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Sl. Site Description Location

No
14 Al-Quisariah Market Among the oldest known markets in the Arabian Hofuf
Peninsula
15 Sahod Palace Ancient palace Hofuf
16 Al Ogair Seaport Seaport from Pre-Islamic Periods Al Ogair,
Hofuf
17 Al Door Archaeological Site Buried ruins of builds of an old Islamic village South of Al
Hasa
(Note: There are other sites of archaeological interest in the region, however these have been identified by ECB as in
proximity to the project area).
Figure 4.27:Sites of Archaeology and Cultural Interest
No sites of archaeological interest or cultural heritage have been observed along the
pipeline corridors or immediate vicinity. Further, no sites of interest have also been
reported by SCTA in the project areas.
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4.11 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION

The Kingdom has established an extensive transportation network by air, road, sea port
and rail networks to connect the various urban and rural areas. An extensive road network
consisting of expressways and inner-city roads connects most areas of the Kingdom.
Highways in Saudi Arabia may be classified into paved and unpaved highways. The
paved highways are constructed to resist high summer temperature and not to reflect the
absorbed heat. The total length of the paved road network increased from 37,383 km in
1996/1997 to 47,520 km in 2005/2006. Similarly, total length of the rural road network
increased to 124,157 km. The highways vary from eight-laned roads to small two-laned
roads in rural areas.
Most important intercity highways in the Kingdom include the following:

 Dammam - Abu Hadriya - Ras Tanura Highway (257 km)
 Khaybar - Al Ula Highway (175 km)
 Makkah - Al Madinah Al Munawarah Highway (421 km)
 Riyadh - Dammam Highway (383 km)
 Riyadh - Sedir - al Qasim Highway (317 km)
 Riyadh - Taif Highway (750 km)
 Taif - Abha-Jazan Highway (750 km)
There is a total of 1,392 km of 1.4 m gauge railway lines in the Kingdom. The
Kingdom’s railway is operated by the Saudi Arabian Railway Corporation. The primary
railway line in Saudi Arabia consists of the fenced, single track, standard gauge line
running for 570 km between Riyadh and Dammam. Opened in 1951, the line passes
through Dhahran, Abqaiq, Hofuf, Haradh, and Al Kharj and has been recently renovated
(Refer to Figure 4.28). The following railway networks are also planned:
 Railway line with a length of 1,683 km, via Hail, Qaseem and Riyadh regions, to
connect the phosphate and bauxite mining sites in the north with the industrial city
in Jubail on the eastern coast,
 Railway line with a length of 946 km to connect the port of Dammam in the east
with Jeddah port on the red sea coast in the west.
 Linking, the Holy cities, Makkah and Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah via Jeddah
governorate, with a link to Yanbu.
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Figure 4.28: Dammam-Riyadh Railway Line
Air transport network in the Kingdom comprises 26 airports including 3 international, 7

regional and 16 domestic airports (Table 4.15). The international airports have state-of-
the-art facilities to handle large number of passengers and cargo. All of the airports are
operated and managed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation.
Table 4.15: Saudi Airports Sorted by Type

LOCATION ICAO* IATA ** AIRPORT NAME
INTERNATIONAL
Dammam OEDF DMM King Fahd International Airport
Jeddah OEJN JED King Abdulaziz International Airport
Riyadh OERK RUH King Khalid International Airport
Medina OEMA MED Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport
REGIONAL
Abha OEAB AHB Abha Regional Airport
Buraidah OEGS ELQ Qassim Regional Airport
Jizan OEGN JIZ Jizan Regional Airport
Ha'il OEHL HAS Ha'il Regional Airport
Tabuk OETB TUU Tabuk Regional Airport
Ta’if OETF TIF Ta’if Regional Airport
DOMESTIC
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LOCATION ICAO* IATA ** AIRPORT NAME

Hofuf OEAH HOF Al-Ahsa Domestic Airport
Al Bahah OEBA ABT Al-Baha Domestic Airport
Al Jawf OESK AJF Al-Jawf Domestic Airport
Arar OERR RAE Arar Domestic Airport
Bisha OEBH BHH Bisha Domestic Airport
Dawadmi OEDW DWD Dawadmi Domestic Airport
Gurayat OEGT URY Gurayat Domestic Airport
King Khalid Military City OEKK HBT Hafar Al-Batin Domestic Airport (KKMC) - limited civilian flights
Najran OENG EAM Najran Domestic Airport
Qaysumah OEPA AQI Qaysumah Domestic Airport
Rafha OERF RAH Rafha Domestic Airport
Sharurah OESH ESH Sharurah Domestic Airport
Turaif OETR TUI Turaif Domestic Airport
Wadi al-Dawasir OEWD EWD Wadi al-Dawasir Domestic Airport
Al Wajh OEWJ EJH Al Wajh Domestic Airport
Yanbu OEYN YNB Yanbu Domestic Airport
* ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization airport code
** IATA: International Air Transport Association airport code
The number of passengers arriving at the Kingdom’s airports increased at an average

annual rate of 9.3%, rising from 0.8 million passengers in 1970 to about 18.3 million in
2005.
The Kingdom holds the largest marine network in the Middle East consisting of nine
ports, i.e. seven commercial ports and two industrial ports (Jubail and Yanbu). All these
ports are handled by Saudi Ports Authority. Three of the ports are along the Arabian Gulf
(at Ad Dammam, Al Jubail, and Ras Tanura) and the remaining six on the Red Sea coast
(Jeddah, Jizan, Yanbu etc.). There are also many other ports at different locations along
the coastal areas of Saudi Arabia. The ports are a vital link of the Kingdoms
transportation network, serving as export points for crude oil and related products and the
import of various other goods. The Jeddah Islamic Port serves as the main entry port for
pilgrims on their way to the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah.
The King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam serves as a commercial port with a fully equipped
repair yard. The Commercial Port at Jizan serves as the main port for southern Saudi
Arabia. The Jubail Commercial Port handles oil and petrochemical industry related cargo
while the commercial port at Yanbu handles petrochemical related cargo shipments. A
total of 66 ships owned by the Kingdom facilitate the shipment of cargo through these
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ports and these include cargo containers, chemical tankers, petroleum tankers, livestock
carriers, and passenger liners.
The Saudi Ports Authority (SPA) is the agency responsible for development of the Saudi
ports and their management. On the other hand, through leasing contracts the private
sector plays a major role in operation, maintenance and management of the sea ports with
the supervision of the port authority.
The growth in port operations was notable, with the total volume of cargo handled by
ports increasing from 1.8 million tons in 1970 to around 132.2 million tons in 2005/2006.

The major means of transportation in this region including the project areas is by road.
Highway 40 connecting Riyadh and Dammam is a major highway that passes through the
center of the Kingdom connecting the Eastern and Western regions. Major highways
close to the project areas are as follows (Figure 4.29):
Highway 40 (Dammam-Riyadh Highway): This is an important highway in Saudi Arabia

as it connects the eastern region to the western region. The FDEWG-1 pipeline is
expected to cross this highway close to Fardaniyah village.
Highway 75 (Al Ahsa-Dammam Highway): This highway connects Al Ahsa to

Dammam, passing through Abqaiq. This highway also connects Qatar and UAE to
southern Saudi Arabia.
Highway 95 (Dammam-Khafji/Abu Hadriyah Highway):This highway is a vital link for

road transportation between Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the southern Arabian Gulf states.
The pipelines from WGP to FGP will cross the highway (refer Figure 4.29).
There are 3 airports in the vicinity of the project area, one of them, an international
airport (King Fahad International Airport in Dammam), is located in the vicinity of the
proposed FDEWG-1 pipeline corridor while the two remaining airports in Jubail and
Dhahran are military airports (refer Figure 4.29).
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Figure 4.29: Highways and Airports in the vicinity of Project Area
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5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT
5.1 STUDY AREA

The study area for this project includes the routes of the proposed pipelines (i.e.,
FDEWG-1, FDKG-1, FDWTG-1, FDWDL-1 and Utility Water) and its immediate
vicinity in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (refer Figure 5.1).
The impacts from construction and operations in the existing and new corridors on air
quality, soil, groundwater, flora/fauna, local settlements, socioeconomics and traffic and
transportation were assessed using technical justifications and impact assessment criteria
discussed in the Section 1.7.
Figure 5.1: Project Area Google Map
5.2 AIR QUALITY

5.2.1 Construction Phase Impacts
The construction phase concerns include generation of dust during excavation and earth
moving along the project corridors and exhaust emissions from equipment and
construction vehicle movement on site. Excessive dust is a health & safety concern to
workers and the neighboring communities. The main hazards related to dust include
reduced visibility and respiratory illnesses [such as bronchitis (OSHA, 2010)]. Vehicular
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exhaust emissions will cause degradation of the ambient air quality along the project
corridors.
Dust Emissions
In this project, dust will be mainly generated during construction activities involving
excavation, grading and backfilling of the pipeline’ trenches. For each proposed pipeline,
there will be a 15 m right-of-way on the freelance side for the construction vehicles. The
right-of-way is the narrow strip of land that contains the pipeline and is where all onsite
construction activities occur. The right-of-way is also graded to allow movement of
vehicles and equipments.
The USEPA AP 42 Compilation of Emission Factors estimates around 1.2

Tons/Acre/Month (or 3*10-4 tons/m2/month) of dust is generated from construction work
(USEPA, 2005).Typically, in a pipeline construction project, a certain length of a pipeline
will be installed first and then construction will move on to the next segment.
Considering a 15 km pipeline segment at a time where all construction activities will take
place at a given time; following are the predicted Particulate emissions from the project.
Length of Pipeline Segment = 15 km

Area of influence (including Right of Way) = 15 m
Total Area= 15 * 15000 = 225,000 m2
Emission Factor = 3*10-4 tons/m2/month
Total Emissions (per segment) = 225,000 * 3^10-4 = 67.5 tons/month =>2.25 tons/day
Total Emissions from:
 FDEWG-1 Pipeline = 34.5 tons/day
 FDKG-1 Pipeline = 4.8 tons/day
 FDWTG-1 Pipeline = 5.1 tons/day
 FDWDL-1 Pipeline = 5.1 tons /day
 RTR non Metallic Water Pipeline = 5.1 tons/day
Exhaust Emissions
Additionally, vehicular exhaust emissions from the construction phase will also affect
ambient air quality along project areas. Emissions rates for the expected construction
vehicles and machinery from the project are presented in Table 5.1 below.
Further, during construction, electricity will be provided to the construction camps by

generators. One diesel generators at the TCF and at the satellite camp (at the proposed
location of Fadhili Gas Plant and at km 102 of FDEWG-1 pipeline) are expected to
provide power on-site. Table 5.2 below provides generator set emissions data and
calculations.
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Table 5.1: Daily Emissions from Construction Vehicles/Equipments*
Sl Hours Emission Factors lb/hr Daily Emissions (lbs/day)

Equipment Type Number
No Per Day
CO NOx SOx PM10 CO NOx SOx PM10
1 Air Compressor (50HP) 4 8 0.2446 0.2134 0.0003 0.0201 7.8272 6.8288 0.0096 0.6432
2 Cranes (120 HP) 5 8 0.3587 0.5189 0.0006 0.0453 14.348 20.756 0.024 1.812
3 Excavators (120 HP) 4 8 0.5137 0.6331 0.0009 0.0519 16.4384 20.2592 0.0288 1.6608
4 Forklifts (120 HP) 4 8 0.2158 0.2571 0.0004 0.0206 6.9056 8.2272 0.0128 0.6592
5 Graders (120 HP) 4 8 0.5268 0.7270 0.0009 0.0614 16.8576 23.264 0.0288 1.9648
6 Off-Highway Trucks (250 HP) 10 8 0.4499 1.3527 0.0015 0.0560 35.992 108. 216 .12 4.48
7 Welding machines (25 HP) 6 8 0.0632 0.1170 0.0002 0.0044 3.0336 5.616 0.0096 0.2112
8 Rollers (25 HP) 4 8 0.0788 0.1472 0.0002 0.0070 2.5216 4.7104 0.0064 0.224
9 Plate Compactors (15 HP) 2 8 0.0263 0.0314 0.0001 0.0012 0.4208 0.5024 0.0016 0.0192
10 Dozers (175 HP) 2 8 0.8392 1.4854 0.0015 0.0841 13.4272 23.7664 0.024 1.3456
11 Side Booms 4 8 0.2158 0.2571 0.0004 0.0206 6.9056 8.2272 0.0128 0.6592
* The emission factors used are based on SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook Note1: Data Source-SCAB Fleet Average Emissions Factors (Diesel) (2014)
Table 5.2: Emission Factors for Generators*
Sl Hours Emission Factors lb/hr Daily Emissions (lbs/day)

Site Equipment Type Number
No Per Day
CO NOx SOx PM10 CO NOx SOx PM10
At the Proposed
01 location of Fadhili Gas Generator Sets (120 HP) 1 8 0.4857 0.713 0.0009 0.0537 7.7712 11.408 0.0144 0.8592
Plant
02 KM 100 of FDEWG-1 Graders (120 HP) 1 8 0.4857 0.713 0.0009 0.0537 7.7712 11.408 0.0144 0.8592
* The emission factors used are based on SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook Note1: Data Source-SCAB Fleet Average Emissions Factors (Diesel) (2014)
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Assessment
Overall, since the construction phase of the project is temporary, vehicular dust
generation and exhaust emissions are unlikely to cause permanent deterioration in
ambient air quality levels in the project or surrounding areas. Airborne soil dust is
typically coarse and therefore remains airborne only for short periods. USEPA reports
that in excess of 90% of the total airborne dust returns to the earth’s surface within 100 m
of the emission source. Additionally, the mitigation measures provided in Section 6 of
this report to control or reduce vehicular emissions at the site will ensure minimum air
quality impact during the construction phase. Hence, the construction phase impacts on
the ambient air quality in the project area are not considered to be significant.
The contractors shall consider the sensitive nature of these areas and develop a strict dust
suppression program for dust control.
Aspect Impact Duration Probability Consequence Significance

Emissions to air from Degradation of Short-term 3 2 6
construction phase air quality (Not significant)
(Note: The probability and consequence ratings are based on the design considerations, planned activities
and mitigation measures proposed in this report)
5.2.2 Operational Phase Impacts

Operational phase impacts on air quality are not considered to be significant as the
proposed pipelines project will not involve any emission intensive activities. The
emissions from the proposed emergency burn pits that will be constructed along
FDEWG-1 pipeline is not considered to be significant as its usage is restricted to
emergency conditions only. Additionally, open burning is prohibited within Saudi
Aramco properties and facilities except as noted in Section 5.8 of SAES-102 standard.
The locations of the proposed burn pits are presented in Table 5.3 and Figure 5.2 below.
Table 5.3: Location (Coordinates) of the Proposed Burn Pits

Sr. No KM Station Burn Pits
Approx. Coordinates
1. KM 0 N 3001396.539 E 309848.397
2. KM 5.925 N 2997456.991 E 312873.972
3. KM 37.925 N 2976849.263 E 325686.000
4. KM 69.925 N 2946243.060 E 326098.277
5. KM 101.925 N 2914449.344 E 322708.556
6. KM 133.925 N 2883751.572 E 321386.436
7. KM 165.925 N 2853232.300 E 317007.562
8. KM 197.925 N 2836400.670 E 293662.532
9. KM 203.85 N 2833637.896 E 287807.749
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Figure 5.2: Proposed Burn Pits Google Map
Movement of vehicles along the project corridors for routine inspection and maintenance
will result in dust emissions as the corridors are not asphalted. However, any effect on air
quality will largely be for short durations.
Fugitive emissions (if any) and other hydrocarbon leaks from the proposed pipelines are
expected to be controlled through routine and adequate inspection, maintenance and
monitoring. Additionally, the project will install a Leak Detection System (LDS).
The LDS signals will be monitored at existing OSPAS-SCADA system located in

OSPAS-OCC (Dhahran Tower), NAPD located at Building 3073 and Pipeline
Monitoring Center located at Building 3301. Additionally, the LDS utilizes acoustic
wave technology to meet the target leak event and the performance stipulated by SAES-
Z-003 Pipelines Leak Detection System. The objectives of the Leak Detection System are
to satisfy Saudi Aramco’s leak detection performance requirements and to minimize the
consequences of a leak by reducing spillage volume. The system provides continuous
operator alert, actual-alarm logging, software simulated leak alarm logging and event
logging.
Other SA safety standards for pipeline construction to be complied with are as follows:
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 SAES-B-064 Onshore and Nearshore Pipeline Safety

 SAES-L-410 Design of Pipelines
 SAES-L-420 Scraper Trap Station and Appurtenances
 SAES-L-440 Anchors for Buried Pipelines
 SAES-L-450 Construction of On-Land and Near-Shore Pipelines
 SAES-L-460 Pipeline Crossings Under Roads and Railroads
 SAES-M-006 Saudi Aramco Security and General Purpose Fencing
 SAES-X-400 Cathodic Protection of Buried Pipelines

pipe leaks air quality (Not significant)
Fugitive emissions Degradation of Long-term 2 3 6

due to leaks air quality (Not significant)
the proposed burn air quality (Not significant)
pits
5.2.3 Cumulative Impacts

As impacts on air quality from the project are mainly in the construction phase and in the
short term, the contribution to the cumulative impact from the project is insignificant.
5.3 SOIL AND GROUNDWATER

Construction activities will largely take place along the pipeline corridor including the
right-of-way, approximately 15 m wide. The total area to be developed and graded for all
the proposed pipelines is approximately 44.02*105 m2.
Excavation and other site-work activities may lead to soil erosion, soil compaction and
loss of fertile soil. As the construction activities will be limited to the pipeline corridor,
the concerns on soil erosion and compaction are not of significance. Other concerns for
the construction phase are discussed below:
Soil & Groundwater Contamination

Potential soil and groundwater contamination issues during the construction phase of the
project include:
 Soil and groundwater contamination from inappropriate disposal of sanitary and
hydrotest wastewater.
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 Spillage or leakage of fuel or lubricants leading to soil and groundwater

contamination.
 Soil and groundwater contamination from inappropriate storage of hazardous waste.
 Soil and groundwater contamination from spraying of crude oil as sand stabilizing
agent.
Assessment
Contamination from any wastewater generated during the construction phase is not of
major concern since no direct disposal on land is expected from the project. Disposal of
hydrotest fluids, sanitary wastes and maintenance wastes will be in compliance with the
Saudi Aramco procedure requirements (SAES-A-104, GI-0430.001, CU 22.03, SASC-S-
03 and SAEP-327) and using Saudi Aramco-approved waste management contractors.
The quantities and disposal mechanism of these wastewaters are discussed in Section 5.4
(Water and Wastewater).
Additionally, the contractors will be required to clean up each work site, remove all
debris, oil spills, garbage wastes, sanitary wastes and wastewater and other undesirable
elements. Further, contractors are expected to dispose any hazardous or regulated waste
materials produced during construction to an approved Saudi Aramco disposal site and in
compliance to the company and regulatory requirements. The disposal of these wastes
will be carried out as per the Saudi Aramco standard requirements stated under Section
7.2 (Waste Management), to avoid any soil and groundwater contamination.
Sand drift and sand dune movements are typical logistic problems facing pipeline
construction/operations. Saudi Aramco has recognized the importance of sand control
measures since the start of its operation. Earlier, use of heavy crude oil (tar-oil) was
common for sand dune stabilization along pipelines. However, as per SAES-L-450
(paragraph 14.8.5), for active sand areas, the backfill shall be stabilized with marl of 152
mm minimum depth, or approved environment friendly stabilization materials with a
minimum of 13 mm penetration. Weathered crude oil shall not be used without the
approval of the Chief Environmental Engineer, Environmental Engineering Division,
EPD and the Piping Standards Committee Chairman.
In similar pipeline projects, TERRATECH T-PRO 500 polymer was used for soil
stabilization. Terratech T-Pro 500 is an eco-friendly alternative to the crude oil
previously used to stabilize the containment berms.
The contractor will be required to source the water and transport it for hydrotesting of
each segment.
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Inappropriate disposal Soil and Short-term 2 3 6
of sanitary & hydrotest Groundwater (Not significant)
wastewater contamination
Spillage or leakage of Soil and Short-term 2 2 4
fuel from fuel storage Groundwater (Not significant)
tank contamination
Inappropriate storage Soil and Short-term 2 2 4
of hazardous waste Groundwater (Not significant)
contamination
Spraying of Crude oil Soil and Long-term 1 1 1
as sand stabilizing Groundwater (Not significant)
agent contamination
5.3.2 Operational Phase Impacts

There are no major operational phase impacts expected from the proposed pipeline
project, as the activities in this phase will generally be limited to routine maintenance and
inspection of the pipelines.

No cumulative impacts to soil and groundwater are expected from this project.
5.4 WATER AND WASTEWATER

Construction phase environmental concerns with regards to water resources and
wastewater generation include:
 Water consumption for construction and workforce
 Water required for hydrotesting
 Sanitary sewage collection and disposal
 Hydrotesting wastewater disposal
Assessment
Water Consumption & Sanitary Wastewater Treatment/Disposal
There will be one main Temporary Construction Facility (TCF) for the project, which
includes contractor accommodations for the pipeline works at km 0 of FDEWG-1
pipeline corridor (refer Figure 5.4). Additionally, there will be a satellite TCF located at
km 102.
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Approximately 200 personnel are expected to be at the main TCF and 150 personnel at
the satellite camp during the construction phase. It is anticipated that water usage for
sanitary purpose at the main TCF would be approximately 325 L/person/day (SAES-A-
104). Therefore, the peak water required for the main TCF will be approximately 65
m3/day. The water usage from the satellite TCF is approximately 125L/person/day.
Therefore the water required for satellite TCFs will be approximately 18.75 m3/day.
Additionally, for the site where earthworks and other general construction works are
planned, it is estimated that an additional 50-80 m3 of potable water would be required
per day. Water for the construction phase will be obtained from local municipal sources
where there is sufficient capacity to supply for the project and meet local demand.
The sanitary wastewater generated during the construction phase shall be disposed as per
the Saudi Aramco standard SAES-A-104 and Saudi Aramco Sanitary Code – SASC
(Section 2). The recommended treatment and disposal mechanism for the construction
phase sanitary wastewater is as follows:
Packaged Treatment System (i.e. MBR): The design of the MBR system should meet
the requirements stated under Section 8.3 of SAES-A-104 standard. The design of the
MBR plant shall be forwarded to the Wastewater Management & Water Conservation
Unit of EPD for review and approval prior to start of any construction activity. Effluent
from the packaged treatment shall be used for dust suppression and contractor camp
plantation/irrigation purposes.
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Figure 5.4: Proposed Location of Main TCF and Satellite TCF (km 102)
Hydrotest Water Consumption and Disposal

Water will be required for hydrotesting of new pipes as per the Saudi Aramco
Engineering Standards SAES-L-150, SAES-A-007 and Project Drawings. For the
FDEWG-1 pipeline, hydrotesting will be carried out in segments of pipelines in the range
of 30-40 km. Hence the quantity of water required for hydrotesting per segment of the
pipeline is approximately 47,620 to 63,493 cubic meters. On the other hand, for each of
the proposed pipelines (i.e., FDWTG-1, FDKG-1, FDWTG-1, FDWDL-1 and RTR), the
hydrotesting will be carried out in one attempt. However, it is understood from
discussions with the project design team that hydrotest water shall be reused from one
pipeline to another. Accordingly, both practices shall lead for water saving which will
minimize the impact on water resources.
Water required for hydrotesting will be sourced using water tanker trucks from local
municipal sources. It is understood from discussions with the project design team that this
project will provide for 2 new evaporation ponds located at km 0 and km 102 Km of
FDEWG-1 pipeline where the hydrotesting water can be disposed. Additionally, this
project will utilize an existing evaporation pond located at km 204 of FDEWG-1 pipeline.
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As such, no significant negative impacts are expected on the water resources and from
the generation of sanitary sewage and hydro testing onsite during the construction phase
of the project.

Water consumption Depletion of Short-term 1 2 2
for potable uses and Natural resources (Not significant)
hydrotesting from
municipal sources
Disposal of hydrotest Soil and Long-term 2 3 6
wastewater Groundwater (Not significant)
contamination
Disposal of sanitary Soil and Long-term 2 3 6
sewage Groundwater (Not significant)
contamination
and mitigation measures proposed in this report).
5.4.2 Operations Phase Impacts

There are no major operational phase impacts for water &wastewater expected from the
proposed pipeline project, as the activities in this phase will generally be limited to
routine maintenance and inspection of the pipelines and will not generate any wastewater.

The cumulative impacts are not of major significance as there is no other source of
wastewater generation along the existing corridor. Additionally, the water requirement
and disposal of the hydrotest water shall be one time only during the construction phase
of the project. There are no additional wastewater streams expected from the operational
phase of the project.
5.5 FLORA AND FAUNA

5.5.1 Construction & Operations Phase Impacts
Displacement of Flora and Fauna and Loss of Habitat
The overall displacement of flora and fauna will not be a major concern as the vegetation
cover is generally not high along the proposed pipelines Also, there were no endangered
or threatened species observed during the site survey.
Exposure to Dust Emissions, and Construction and Hazardous Wastes

Generation of dust is expected from construction activities (excavation, trenching, etc.)
and from the movement of construction vehicles along the project corridors. However, as
desert flora and fauna are typically adapted to extreme conditions such as sand storms
and weather extremes, the effect of dust on flora is not expected to be significant.
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Other construction phase concerns include exposure of fauna to any hazardous or

construction wastes. The project is expected to ensure dedicated material lay down yards
and storage areas for wastes and sufficient measures to respond to any spills or leaks.

Displacement of Loss of flora/ Long-term 2 3 6
Flora/Fauna fauna species Not significant
5.6 LAND USE AND POPULATION

5.6.1 Project Concerns
The International Financing Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group
identifies social and environmental impacts as an important consideration in the project
approval process. Accordingly the IFC has established performance standards aimed at
minimizing social and environmental risks from the project. For projects that acquire
finance from Equator Principle Financing Institutions (currently around 41 banks) project
compliance to these performance standards is mandatory (Jacob, 2009).
While compliance to the performance standards is not mandatory for this project, this
assessment has evaluated typical social concerns from the proposed project as identified
through the standards, and these include:
1. Land acquisition and resettlement of communities
2. Influx of a migrant workforce and interaction with locals
3. Worker and community health and safety
4. Effects on sites of archaeological and cultural interest
5. Impact on traffic and transportation
5.6.2 Land Acquisition and Resettlement of Communities

Resettlement and land acquisition are not a concern for this project as all project activities
will run in inhabited areas and most of the project activities will be confined within
existing Saudi Aramco pipeline corridors or Saudi Aramco reservation areas. The Land
Affairs of Saudi Aramco shall liaise with the appropriate government agencies to reserve
the right of way for the portion of the pipeline outside Saudi Aramco reservation areas.
The temporary offices and laydown yard will also be located within designated areas
close to the proposed Fadhili Gas Plant and the proposed intermediate scraper trap area.
5.6.3 Influx of Migrant Workforce

The proposed project will require a workforce of around 370 personnel in total. They are
expected to be largely expatriates sourced through local contractors. The workforce for
the proposed pipelines will be accommodated in the main TCF and in the nearest town to
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the satellite camp. The expatriate labor community in the Kingdom is generally familiar
with local cultural norms and practices. As such, presence of the migrant workforce is not
considered a community concern from this project.
5.6.4 Worker and Community Health and Safety

Health and Safety of workers, including contractor’s employees shall be ensured by strict
adherence to Saudi Aramco’s protocols for the same. As in the case of all Saudi Aramco
projects, health and safety is an integral part of planning and execution of this project.
Issuance of land use permits, work permits, contractor identifications, inspections and
approval addresses health and safety of workers and the local population. Therefore no
significant risks to local communities and workers are expected from the project.
The environmental concerns from the construction and operational phases of the project
have been evaluated in the previous sections of this report (Section 5.2-5.5). No
significant negative environmental effects are expected from the construction and
operations phase, which could potentially lead to public health concerns. Additionally,
mitigation measures for the identified impacts have been provided in the following
Section 7, which would further reduce the probability of any public health concern from
occurring.
5.6.5 Effects on Sites of Archeological and Cultural Interest

A list of historical and cultural sites in the Kingdom is presented in the baseline section of
the report (Section 4.10). No archaeological monuments or sites of cultural heritage are
present along the project corridors or immediate vicinity.
It is recommended to create awareness among construction personnel with regard to the

sensitivity of these areas. The contractors should be required to consider the sensitive
nature of these areas in developing the construction management plan. Noise mitigation
measures in these areas should also be strictly complied with.
5.6.6 Impact on Traffic and Transportation

Major roads and highways intersections by the proposed pipelines are provided in the
baseline section of the report. Project activities are expected to be carried out within the
defined pipeline corridors and therefore impact to the existing highways or lateral roads
from construction activities are not expected to be significant. Additionally, most of the
construction vehicles and equipments will be on-site during the construction phase of the
project. The movement of these vehicles and equipment will be restricted to the corridors
only.
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5.7 NOISE
Noise from the construction phase of the proposed project will lead to an increase in
ambient noise levels along the project areas. Sources of noise from the project include
use of earthmoving equipments, air compressors, movement of vehicles, and other
activities. The temporary surge in noise during the construction phase will largely be
localized to the area of work and for the duration of construction activities.
Noise emissions from using the construction vehicles and heavy machinery during the
construction phase are a concern only for the project workforce as no residential
community has been observed at the time of undertaking the site visit within 2 km on
either side of the proposed pipeline’ area. Most heavy machinery and construction
methods in large civil engineering projects are intrinsically very noisy and lead to
vibration. Various types of noise emissions from heavy machinery and activities at
construction sites include background noise, idling noise, blast noise, impact noise,
rotating noise, intermittent noise, howling, screeching, and squealing.
A study conducted by the Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia (Canada)

observes typical background noise levels for construction sites range from 75 dBA to 85
dBA. The study recorded noise levels emitted from various construction equipment,
tools, and also for certain construction trades. While the noise levels for various
equipment, tools, and trades will vary by construction sectors, the findings of the study,
nonetheless, provides an insight into the typical noise emission readings that can be
expected at construction sites.
Figure 5.5 lists noise exposure levels by the type of construction, as detailed in the study.
Figure 5.6 lists noise exposure levels by construction trades, activities, and equipment.
Table 5.4 lists typical noise levels from various construction equipment and machinery
used in construction jobs (in the UK). Table 5.5 lists typical noise levels for certain
construction trades and tools and Table 5.6 presents noise emission levels by construction
stage.
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Figure 5.5: Noise Exposure Levels by Type of Construction
Source: Workers Compensation Board of BC, Engineering Section Report, Feb 2000
Figure 5.6: Noise Exposure Levels by Construction Trades, Activities, and Equipments
Table 5.4: Noise Levels in Construction Jobs, Equipment, and Vehicles (UK)
Plant/Equipment Operator, dBA
Average Range
Dozers, Dumpers 96 89 – 103
Front End Loaders 88 85 – 91
Excavators 87 86 – 90
Backhoes 86.5 79 – 89
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Plant/Equipment Operator, dBA

Scrapers 96 84 – 102
Mobile Cranes 100 97 – 102
Compressors 79 62 – 92
Pavers 101 100 – 102
Rollers (Compactors) 90 79 – 93
Bar Benders 95 94 – 96
Pneumatic Breakers 106 94 – 111
Hydraulic Breakers 95.5 90 – 100
Graders, Trucks, Concrete Pumps and Mixers, Generators <85 -
Concrete Batch Plant Operator <85 -
Poker Vibrators 94.5 87 – 98
Saws 88.5 78 – 95
Pile drivers (Diesel and Pneumatic) 98 82 – 105
Pile Drivers (Gravity, Bored) 82.5 62 – 91
Table 5.5: Noise Levels for Certain Trades and Tools

Trades/Tools dBA
Plumber 90
Elevator Installer 96
Rebar Worker 95
Carpenter 90
Concrete Form Finisher 93
Dry Wall Installer 90
Steel Stud Installer 96
Laborer – Road Construction 86
Laborers – Formwork 88
Laborers – Shovel Hardcore 94
Laborers – Concrete Pour 97
Hoist Operator 100
Laborers – Drains and Roughing Concrete 100
Tile Setter 92
Pneumatic Chipper / Chisel 109
Compactor 108
Electric Drill 102
Air Track Drill 113
Table 5.6: Noise Levels by Construction Stage

Construction Stage Job dBA
Foundations Sawing concrete and forms carpentry 96
Foundations “Jumping jack” earth tamper 96.5
Foundations Foreman (concrete vibrator used for pour) 91.4
Foundations Bobcat driver/First aid attendant 82
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Construction Stage Job dBA

“Flying Table” Fly table carpentry – hammering 87.7
“Flying Table” Concrete finishing – electric grinder, chipping and patching 91.3
“Flying Table” Releasing, dropping flying tables 88.8
“Flying Table” Rigger working with crane 86
The PME standards indicate construction noise levels should not exceed 75 dBA during
daytime and 45 dBA during Night time. There are sensitive receptors such as hospitals,
schools, mosques identified near the proposed project areas.
There are no sensitive receptors like hospitals, schools, mosques and residential buildings
adjacent to the corridors. The settlements identified along the corridors are at a distance
of 400 m or more from the corridor. Additionally, the 30-months construction plan of the
pipelines is not restricted to one area only. As the construction of one segment of the
pipeline is completed, the construction will move on to the next segment thereby limiting
noise emissions over a long duration in a particular area. Also, with the application of
good site management practices, it is considered that noise from the construction phase
will have a minimal impact on the identified receptors.

Noise Increase in area noise Short-term 3 2 6
generation levels & nuisance to the (Not significant)
sensitive receptors
5.7.2 Operations Phase Impacts

Taking into consideration the nature and scope of the proposed pipeline’ project, the
operations phase is not expected to contribute to noise levels in the area. Therefore, the
impact on noise levels from the operations phase of this project is not considered to be of
significant impact.
5.7.3. Cumulative Impacts

There will be a temporary surge in noise emissions during the construction phase from
the project activities. During the site visit conducted for this study, it has been observed
that the main noise sources include the construction activities for WGP, KGP, EWPS-1
and highway intersections. These sources will have an elevated baseline noise level. The
temporary surge in noise levels due to this project is expected to have a minimal and
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short-term impact on the identified receptors, with the application of good site
management practices.
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6.0 WASTE MANAGEMENT

6.1 Waste Management in Saudi Arabia
Waste management in the Kingdom is carried out by several governmental agencies. The
Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MOMRA) is tasked with managing municipal
wastes generated in the Kingdom. The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment
(PME), as the final regulatory authority, is tasked with overseeing the waste management
programme in the Kingdom and its responsibilities include establishing policies,
procedures and standards, periodic review of waste management practices, and evaluating
and approving disposal and treatment facilities. Additionally, the Royal Commission is
tasked with managing wastes generated at the industrial cities of Jubail and Yanbu.
Saudi Arabia has been witnessing rapid industrialization, high population growth rate and
fast urbanization which have resulted in increased levels of pollution and waste. With a
population of approximately 29 million, Saudi Arabia generates more than 15 million
tons of solid waste per year. The per capita waste generation is estimated at 1.5 to 1.8 kg
per person per day, which has become a challenge for the government and local
authorities.
More than 75 percent of the population is concentrated in urban areas which make it
necessary for the government to initiate measures to improve recycling and waste
management scenario in the country. Solid waste generation in the three largest cities –
Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam – exceeds 6 million tons per annum which gives an
indication of the enormity of the problem faced by civic bodies.
Saudi Arabia’s rapid industrialization, construction, and urbanization have increased

levels of pollution and waste. The Saudi government recognizes the critical demand for
waste management solutions and is investing heavily in solving this problem. The 2011
national budget allocated SAR 29 billion for the municipal services sector, which
includes water drainage and waste disposal, and SAR 28.5 billion for water, agriculture
and infrastructure sector, which includes sanitation services and desalination plants. Key
government officials are constantly reviewing the latest in equipment and technology for
their waste disposal needs. Recently the Saudi Government approved new regulations to
ensure an integrated framework for the management of municipal wastes. The Ministry
of Municipal and Rural Affairs will be responsible for overseeing the tasks and
responsibilities of the solid waste management system.
The environmental pressures generated by solid waste are substantially mitigated by an

active recycling industry operating throughout the Kingdom. Recycling as an industry is
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gaining ground for two reasons: economic and environmental. It is one of the best waste
management methods that reduces the need for land filling and incineration and turns
materials that would otherwise remain as waste into valuable resources. Moreover, it
offers commercial gains as the world turns more and more to using recycled plastic, and
paper in the packaging of consumer goods. While recycling of all types of waste has
grown in general, recycling of specific materials like paper, PET plastic, aluminum soft
drink cans, steel packaging and major appliances is more on the rise. Construction and
demolition waste recycling is also another area of growth.
Waste Management Contractors in Saudi Arabia

Several large waste management service providers such as Abdullah Al Khodary and
Sons Co., Kanooz Industrial Services, Seder Group, Bee’ah, Al Fahhad and Sons Co.,
and Al Yamama Group collect and transport municipal wastes in the Kingdom.
Companies like Gulf Waste Processing and Recycling Company (GWPR), Refal
Environmental Services Limited, Arab Paper Manufacturing Co., Saudi Recycling Co,
Nesma Recycling., all of which are large companies involved in producing recycled
paper products from paper waste, show a good foothold of the paper recycling industry in
the industrial cities of Dammam and Riyadh.
Refal Environmental Services Limited, a part of the conglomerate Obeikan Investment

Group, collects waste paper which is then sent onwards to sister company Obeikan Paper
Industries (OBI) to be recycled in order to produce duplex board of Companies, and
Alwan Company, indicated the massive amount of municipal solid waste that is being
generated in Riyadh alone. Al Fahhad and Sons Company undertakes city cleaning and
waste disposal for some parts of Riyadh and is a major contractor in cities like Yanbu,
Hail, Gazan, Qassim, etc. Alwan Company undertakes mechanical and manual sweeping
of streets, roundabouts and open spaces and has cleaning projects in the northern and
southern areas of Jeddah, the southern sector of the Jazan region and the Khashm Al Aan
Residential City. It is also involved in waste collection and disposal. Al-Khodary stands
out as a company involved in all aspects of waste management, right from the collection,
hauling and disposal of household, municipal solid and hazardous waste to sorting,
recycling and land filling of rejected waste. The company collects and disposes waste for
the Riyadh and Dammam municipalities and the Municipality of Eastern Province.
Bee’ah also takes hazardous waste for incineration from Jubail Industrial City and
Eastern Province, Riyadh and Yanbu.
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6.2 Legal and Other Requirements

The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) has attached great importance
to the impact of hazardous substances and waste pollution on the environment in its bid
to address the problem of protecting the Saudi environment and human health against the
risks of such substances and waste in all their forms and generation in all stages of
production, import, handling, storage, treatment, and final disposal. In addition, PME has
also laid regulations for banning the import, entry or transit of hazardous waste into the
territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Rules and Procedures for Hazardous Waste Management are provided in Appendix 4 of
the PME’s General Environmental Regulations (GER) and details requirements to
identify and manage hazardous and non hazardous wastes from generation to disposal or
treatment. However, these requirements have been superseded by the 2012 amendments
in the standard, which addresses the following issues in detail:
 Waste Acceptance Criteria for TSD (Transport, Storage & Disposal) facilities: The
objective of this standard is to establish the framework for PME to develop waste
acceptance criteria for waste generators and TSD facility operators with the aim of
reducing the environmental impact of landfills.
 Waste Classification (facilities generating, storing and handling wastes): The
objective of this document is to establish a national baseline Waste Classification
System within the Kingdom.
 Waste Regulatory Control and Compliance (waste generators, transporters and TSD
facility operators): The objective of this standard is to establish the framework for
PME to develop and integrate systems for the management and movement of waste in
KSA.
 Waste Handling and Storage (facilities generating, storing and handling wastes): The
objective of this standard is to ensure the effective handling and storing of waste so as
to prevent and minimize spills and leakages.
 Waste Training and Assessment of Technical Competence of Operators: The
objective of this standard is to establish the framework to ensure that efficient waste
management procedures are practiced in KSA by outlining the minimum
requirements for training, certification and assessment of persons participating in or
responsible for the operation of treatment, storage and disposal facilities.
 Waste Transportation: The objective is to establish the requirements necessary to
ensure that the transportation of waste in KSA is undertaken in a responsible manner.
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Applicable Saudi Aramco Standards

All the waste generated from this project shall be managed in accordance with the
following Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards, Sanitary Codes and General
Instructions:
 SAES-S-007: Solid Waste Landfill Standard
 SASC-S-03: Solid Waste Management
 GI-0430.001: Implementing the Saudi Aramco Hazardous Waste Code
According to the SAES-S-007, waste generated shall be classified into one of the
following categories;
 Class I Hazardous Waste: Wastes that constitute a high degree of hazard to public
health and the environment. These include flammable, corrosive, reactive, toxic,
radioactive, infectious, carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic materials;
 Class II Biodegradable/Chemical Decomposable Waste: Non-hazardous solid
wastes and sludge which are biologically or chemically decomposable in the
natural environment. Examples include paper, digested sewage, animal wastes,
garbage and other putrescible wastes and wood; and
 Class III Inert Waste: Non-hazardous wastes those are not biologically or
chemically active in the natural environment. Examples include glass, most
plastics, rubber products, and construction debris. Treatment and disposal of
asbestos and asbestos-containing wastes are subject to a specific Saudi Aramco
general instruction.
Waste contractors shall be approved by Saudi Aramco and hold a valid PME license. The
disposal of the waste will vary depending on its classification. A Class I Landfill
Disposal Site must be used for the disposal of Class I hazardous wastes and may be used
for the disposal of Class II biodegradable and chemically decomposable wastes and Class
III inert wastes. A Class II Landfill Disposal Site shall be used for Class II wastes and
may be used for Class III wastes. A Class III Landfill Disposal Site is for the disposal of
Class III inert wastes only.
The handling, storage treatment and disposal of a variety of waste types including
hydrocarbon product waste, oily waste, PCB's, pyrophoric waste, radioactive waste, trash
and construction debris and solids, are identified in GI-430.001 – Implementing the Saudi
Aramco Hazardous Waste Code, and documents referenced there in. The Sanitary code
SASC-S-03 shall be consulted if further details are necessary for disposal of certain
special process & non process wastes.
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6.3 Construction and Operations Wastes

6.3.1 Construction Phase Wastes
Wastes generated during the construction phase of this project will largely be comprised
of concrete spillage, pipe cuttings, metals, valves, timber, steel/pipe cut-offs, packaging
wastes, and construction/sanitary wastewater. Additionally, there will be office wastes
such as used paper, printer ink cartridges and toners, and food wastes along with the
general mixed garbage generated from construction camps established throughout the
construction phase of the project. Table 6.1 below, lists typical construction wastes, types
and disposal mechanism for the construction phase of this project.
Table 6.1 Main Construction Phase Wastes

Waste Type Disposal/ Treatment
Metal, Equipments, Valves, Flanges, Non Hazardous Saudi Aramco Reclamation OR
Pipe cuttings, etc POD Service Centers OR Approved Landfill
Paper, Wood, Plastics, Glass Non Hazardous Class II or Class III Landfill
(Waste Disposal by Approved Contractor)
Insulation Material Non Hazardous Class II or Class III Landfill
Oil Rags, Chemical Containers, Oil Hazardous Class I Landfill
Drums (Waste Disposal by Approved Contractor)
Dry Concrete/Concrete spills Non Hazardous Class II Landfill
Exhausted Oil & Solvents Hazardous To be Recycled (Recycling is preferable method of
management of spent chemicals)
Class I Landfill (Disposal should be the least favored

method)
Food Waste Non Hazardous Class II or Class III Landfill
Construction rubble Non Hazardous Class II or Class III Landfill
Note: A list of Saudi Aramco approved waste management contractors can be obtained from the following
link-
http://epd.aramco.com.sa/epd/epd/contentAction.doname=WASTEMGMTCONTRACT
There are no significant demolition activities identified in this project. However, there
will be fence demolition/extension for the trap facility at EWPS-1 &km 3.5 (km 122 of
KRT corridor). Table 6.2 provides the list of wastes that are expected to be generated
during the construction and operations phase of the project
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Table 6.2 Quantities of Construction and Operations Phase Wastes Anticipated from the Project
Quantity
Waste Particulars Type
Utility
FDEWG-1 FDKG-1 FDWTG-1 FDWDL-1
Water
Construction Phase
Metal, Equipments, Non 100-200 kgs 10-20 kgs 10-20 kgs 10-20 kgs 10-20 kgs
Valves, Flanges, Hazardous
Pipe cuttings, etc
Paper, Wood, Non 50-70 kgs 5-10 kgs 5-10 kgs 5-10 kgs 5-10 kgs
Plastics, Glass Hazardous
Oil Rags, Chemical Hazardous 50-70 30-50 30-50 30-50 30-50
Containers, Oil kgs/month kgs/month kgs/month kgs/month kgs/month
Drums
Oil Filters Hazardous 25 oil 5-10 oil 5-10 oil 5-10 oil 5-10 oil
filters/month filters/month filters/month filters/month filters/month
Food Waste Non 0.5 kgs/person/day
Hazardous
Operations Phase
Black Powder Hazardous N.A N.A N.A N.A N.A
Potential impacts arising from the wastes generated include:

 Improper storage on-site leading to soil and groundwater contamination due to
leachates.
 Inappropriate transportation of waste causing air quality impacts and odor nuisance;
and
 Illegal disposal of wastes by the contractor.
The significance of impacts associated with the construction waste is considered to be

low provided a detailed Construction Waste Management Plan (CWMP) is prepared and
implemented by the Construction Contractor. The CWMP should include on-site storage,
transportation off-site and disposal mechanisms complying with the PME and Saudi
Aramco standards. The recommendations presented in the “Waste Management
Recommendations” section below shall be a part of the contractor’s CWMP.
Approved Landfills Near the Project Site

There are several Saudi Aramco-approved landfill sites which can be used for waste
disposal. The closest landfill to proposed pipelines from Wasit to Fadhili for the disposal
of wastes is the Jubail Landfill which is located approximately 6-7 km southwest of the
SABIC affiliates (refer Figure 6.1).
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The landfill occupies a wide area of 3,221,846.5 m2 of which 2662894.4 m2 space is used
for waste placement. The self-contained site has security house, scale house, diesel
station, leachate disposal facility, administrative block, maintenance workshop, parking
yard and all the required facilities required by EPA. Royal Commission sanitary landfill
wastes are classified into two classes: Class II and Class III. The different categories of
waste which are included in Class II and Class III are municipal waste, non-hazardous
waste and inert waste. Hazardous wastes are treated by National Environmental
Protection agency (BEEA`H).
Three other landfills in the Eastern Province – Juaymah landfill, Abqaiq landfill and
Shedgum landfill – can also be used while the project sites are along the FDEWG-1
pipeline corridor (refer Figure 6.2).
Additionally, Table 6.3 lists out the Saudi Aramco landfills that are close to the project
areas.
Figure 6.1: Jubail Landfill Location
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Figure 6.2: Other Landfills in Eastern Province
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Table 6.3: Saudi Aramco Landfill Sites in Project Area Region

Work Contact
Description Location Proponent Responsible Organization Org Code Contact User ID
Area Tel
Dhahran Sanitary Central Community Dhahran Gardening & Nabeel A Al- DUGHAIN
3850 Dhahran 30003911 872-1222
Landfill Services Dept Sanitization Division Dughaither A
Dhahran
Central Community Dhahran Gardening & Nabeel A Al- DUGHAIN
3959 Construction Dhahran 30003911 872-1222
Services Dept Sanitization Division Dughaither A
Material Landfill
Abqaiq Sanitary SA/CR Community Abqaiq Res & Rec Services Ali H Al- QURAAH0
4370 Abqaiq 30017347 574-4186
Landfill Services Dept Section Quraisha B
Shedgum Gas Plant
Shedgum Gas Plant Shedgum Gas Plant
4372 Shedgum Planning and Programme 30000132 Waleed Omair Omairwi 577-4236
Sanitary Landfill Dept
Unit
Juaymah Sanitary NA/WR Community Ras Tanura Residential & Khalid M Al- QORAISK
10673 Juaymah 30018798 673-5100
Landfill Services Dept Recreation Division Qoraish M
Khurais Bachelor
SA/CR Community Saudi Aramco Remote Ameer Al- BAHRAA0
17735 Community Khurais 30021780 578-4333
Services Dept Camps Services Division Bahrani K
Landfill
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6.4 Waste Prevention and Minimization

Identifying and implementing waste prevention and minimization opportunities in a
project is an integral part of the waste management programme for both the
construction and operations phases, respectively. The waste management hierarchy
considers prevention, source reduction, recycling, treatment and finally disposal (refer
Figure 6.3). The latter options of treatment and disposal are least preferred in the
hierarchy. Potential opportunities in this pipeline project are described in Table 6.4
below.
Figure 6.3: Waste Management Hierarchy
Source (Crittenden, 1995, EPA, 2008)
Table 6.4: Waste Prevention and Minimization Opportunities

Sl. Hierarchy Opportunities Implementation
No
1 Source Reduction Pre-planning Identify waste minimization in early stages of
the project and incorporate into the project
management plan.
Product Substitution Consider alternate materials and consumables
for use in the project e.g.
1. Use citrus based cleaning agents over
organic solvents
2. Consider mechanical cleaning with
recyclable cleaning fluids
3. Water based paints over oil based paints
Equipment Modification Consider use of reusable stainless steel filters
over conventional filters.
Reduction in Water Use 1. Where feasible reuse hydrotest water to test
as many lines possible.
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Sl. Hierarchy Opportunities Implementation

No
2.Consider the use of smart launchers which
reduce the need of hydrotesting
Good Housekeeping and Consider regular scheduled preventive
Preventive Maintenance maintenance on equipments, pumps, valves to
minimize the occurrence of leaks
Chemicals and Materials 1. Proper storage of chemicals and materials
Storage such as on wooden pallets and raised
storage area.
2. Keep all containers closed except when not
in use
3. Keep all containers properly labeled
4. MSDS and other manufacturer information
should be kept for reference.
Inventory Control Maintain an inventory of chemicals and
materials to track and reduce the volume of
unusable chemical that must be managed as
waste. Vendors to be sourced to recover empty
and partially filled containers for reclamation or
reuse.
Lubricating Oil and Consider using suppliers that recycles waste
Filters lube oil and lube oil filters.
2 Recycling Paint Solvent Reuse Consider reuse of used solvents for thinning
paint.
Scrap Metal and Drums Identify contractors dealing with scrap metals
and drums.
4 Treatment & Disposal Empty drums/cans 1. Mechanical compressing of drums and
Waste oil, filters, pipes other metals prior to recycling or land
and fittings filling.
2. Reconditioning of containers/barrels so that
they may be reused for storage of fluids.
3. Land filling wastes that cannot be treated
further or recycled for subsequent use.
6.5 Waste Management Recommendations

Construction Phase
A formal Waste Management Plan shall be established and executed by the
Construction Contractor for the construction phase of the project to provide guidance
on waste management and shall include minimization, collection, storage, treatment,
re-use or disposal strategy for each waste stream. The WMP shall be submitted to
Saudi Aramco for review and approval. At a minimum the plan should include:
 Re-utilization of the consumable wastes.
 A list of hazardous and non hazardous wastes classified as per the PME and Saudi
Aramco standards (SAES-S-007 & CU-22.03).
 Description of expected locations of landfills and temporary storage sites.
 Procedures for adequate storage, labeling, transport and disposal of wastes.
 Procedure for handling of hazardous wastes and training program.
 Authorizations/permits and record keeping requirements.
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 List of PME/Saudi Aramco-approved waste management contractors.

 Roles and responsibilities of the EPC contractor for handling, storage,
transportation and disposal of wastes.
The Construction phase WMP shall be established by the Construction Contractor as

part of their plans for management of construction wastes.
Listed below are waste management recommendations for the construction phase,
based on the requirements of the above mentioned procedures:
 No toxic or hazardous waste shall be disposed at any disposal site without EPD’s
approval.
 All Saudi Aramco hazardous waste must be manifested using the company's SAP
EH&S system.
 Ensure that all identified hazardous waste are manifested and disposed to Class I
landfill by a Saudi Aramco approved contractor. The list of approved contractors
can be retrieved from the following link:
http://epd.aramco.com.sa/epd/epd/contentAction.doname=WASTEMGMTCONTRA
CT
 All inert construction debris generated during this project shall be disposed of in a
Class III landfill in accordance with SAES-S-007 “Solid Waste Landfill
Standard”. Other solid wastes generated shall be disposed of in accordance with
SAES-S-007. Hazardous waste shall be managed in accordance with GI 430.001
procedure.
 All Class II & III wastes are to be disposed of to the nearest approved Saudi
Aramco Landfill area as per SAES-S-007 (refer Figure 6.1 above for landfill
location).
 The waste manifest form shall be filled and signed by the originator, transporter
and waste receiver. The generator is responsible for maintaining the waste
manifests.
 Burn pits shall be lined with a suitable, non-combustible material, i.e. 60 cm low
permeability compacted marl.
 Ensure roles and responsibilities are assigned and personnel are aware of handling
and disposal of the wastes generated in their areas.
 Provide separate storage of hazardous and non hazardous (general) wastes on site.
 On-site storage of hazardous waste shall not exceed 3 months.
 Efforts should be made to minimize waste generation and disposal, where
feasible.
 An effective paper recycling program should be in place in all management
offices.
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 A periodic audit of the transportation and disposal agencies is recommended to

ensure regulatory compliance.
 For reference purposes the following additional guidelines may be considered:
o A dedicated, concrete paved and with secondary containment area should be
provided for the fuel storage tank.
o The dedicated area must be fenced and preferably covered.
o The dedicated area should also include a storm water collection pit designed
for around 100 mm of rainwater.
o All wastes should be stored in leak proof containers.
o On-site storage should not exceed 90 days.
o Every container must be clearly labeled with the type of waste, classification
and date of generation (refer Article XII – Waste Handling & Storage – PME
GER-2012).
Operations Phase
Waste management recommendations for the operations phase include:
 The use of burn pits will be restricted to emergency situations only. A liquid
hydrocarbon recovery system will be provided to eliminate non-emergency liquid
hydrocarbon burning.
 All new burn pits will be equipped with smoke-less tip to ensure compliance with
environmental regulations.
 The use of pipeline scraper launchers/receivers is regulated by Saudi Aramco’s
SAES-A-400 (Industrial Drainage Systems) Standard.
 Liquid hydrocarbons resulting from pipeline scraping activities shall be managed
through Closed Drainage Systems (CDS). In remote locations, where a CDS is
neither justified nor practical, a collection vessel without a pump shall be
provided. The design requirements are specified in SAES-A-400 (Section 6).
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7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION AND MONITORING PROGRAM

7.1 Construction Phase Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)
A Construction Phase Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) must be established
prior to undertaking any construction and commissioning activities. The CEMP must
be prepared by the contractor responsible for the project and submitted to SAPMT for
review and approval. The CEMP must be developed based on the following inputs:
1. Applicable Environmental Regulatory Requirements (i.e. PME’s GER & Saudi
Aramco Standards/Procedures).
2. Recommendations for mitigation prescribed in this report.
The CEMP must at a minimum address the following issues:

1. Identify Focal Points for Environmental Issues on the project. The roles,
responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities of these focal points should be
clearly addressed. (Note: A Focal Point must be available on site for ensuring
mitigation measures are adequately implemented).
2. Summarize the environmental regulatory requirements of PME and Saudi
Aramco that needs to be complied with for the construction phase.
3. Summarize the main environmental impacts and occupational health and safety
issues from the construction phase.
4. Establish an action plan for implementing mitigation and monitoring
recommendations presented in the subsequent sub-sections of this section.
5. Provide a reporting programme to SAPMT on environmental and health &safety
management practices to ensure that all plans and procedures are being complied
with.
In general, the CEMP must provide a description of the overall approach to

environmental management during the construction phase. The Construction
Contractor will be required to implement the CEMP as applicable to their scope of
work.
In order to implement the CEMP, the Construction Contractor will also be required to
incorporate the following construction phase mitigation measures that may apply to
their work.
7.1.1 Air Quality

Construction Phase:
1. Tracks and roads should be watered regularly to minimize air borne dust. Water
is an effective dust suppressant (refer Figure 7.1) and is recommended to be used
for control of fugitive dust emissions from stockpiles, dirt roads and around
excavated areas. Construction phase treated sanitary wastewater shall be used as
dust suppressant.
2. Reclaimed wastewater utilized as dust suppressant if used should meet the legal
July 23, 2014 188 | P a g e

requirements of PME and Saudi Aramco.

3. Lining established and newly constructed pipeline corridor roads with medium
sized gravel to prevent dust tracks;
4. Excavated areas must be compacted and contoured to minimize fugitive dust
emissions. Height of temporary stockpiles must be limited and aligned parallel to
the prevailing wind direction. Minimize drop height for material discharge.
5. Bulk storage of excavated material should, to the extent possible, be avoided.
6. Enclosed waste chutes into enclosed skips should be used where possible to
reduce dust levels.
7. Ensure dust/ sand on roads leading to the sites is periodically and adequately
cleared.
8. During transportation avoid overloading of trucks with sand, gravel and aggregate
and ensure sufficient free board. Trucks traveling to and from the project site with
these materials must be covered with tarpaulin to minimize dust (Figure 7.2).
9. All vehicles utilized in this project must have valid Motor Vehicle Periodic
Inspection (MVPI) certificates.
10. To the extent possible reduce idling time of vehicles onsite.
11. All trucks engines shall be turned off during break hours.
12. All truck exhaust filters shall be periodically checked and replaced, if required.
This practice will assure the emission control for engine exhaust.
Figure 7.1: Dust Suppression using a Water Spray Truck
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Figure 7.2: Dust Covers on Trucks
Operations Phase:
1. The use of burn pits will be restricted to emergency situations only. A liquid
hydrocarbon recovery system will be provided to eliminate non-emergency liquid
hydrocarbon burning.
2. All burn pits will be provided with smoke-less tip to ensure compliance with
environmental regulations.
7.1.2 Soil and Groundwater

3. Design activities to minimize earthmoving, and excavations to the extent
possible. All excavation and backfill activities shall be conducted in accordance
with SAES-A-114.
4. All soil density measurements, pavement, compaction or concrete assessments (if
any) using neutron/gamma gauges (such as Troxler Gauges), should comply with
GI.150.003 and SAEP-370 Transportation of Radioactive Material.
5. Construction wastes should be managed in accordance with a Waste Management
Plan (WMP) that must be established early in the project.
6. Consider using any excess of excavated soils in the construction phase itself such
as in the laying of roads or as concrete aggregates.
7. Temporary and permanent storage areas for fuel, chemicals, paints, thinners, etc.
and any hazardous substances should contain an impervious storage facility
preferably of concrete (with dykes, bunds, curbs, or collection systems) to
prevent seepage and contamination of soil in case of leaks, spills, or poor
housekeeping.
8. Construction vehicles should undergo preventive maintenance schedules with
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inspections at regular intervals to prevent oil and coolant leaks.

9. Construction activities must be restricted to within the project site corridor and
with minimum disturbance to the surrounding areas.
10. Spill cleanup materials, MSDS, materials inventory, and emergency contact
numbers of responsible personnel should be maintained and stored onsite.
11. Fuel and oil leaks response measures should include use of spill response kits and
clean up. Any contaminated soil must be considered as a hazardous waste and
disposed at an approved disposal site.
12. Non-hazardous metal scrap should be sent to the Saudi Aramco Metal scrap yard.
13. All expired and redundant chemicals, batteries, paints, and thinners should be
sent to reclamation, storage and handling facilities for recycling purposes by
using SA-112H form through SAP.
14. The contractors should clean up each work-site, remove all debris, oil spills,
garbage wastes, sanitary wastes and wastewater and other undesirable elements.
Furthermore, contractors are expected to dispose any hazardous or regulated
waste materials produced during construction to an approved Saudi Aramco
disposal site and in compliance to the company and regulatory requirements.
15. All burn pits will be lined with a suitable, non-combustible material, i.e. 60 cm
low permeability compacted marl.
16. If chemicals are to be stored the following must be considered:
 Secondary spill containment shall be provided for hazardous materials
 Provision of sheltered area
 Lining and diking
 Segregation of incompatible chemicals
7.1.3 Water and Wastewater

1. Water for the construction phase, should be sourced only from Saudi Aramco
approved sources.
2. Hydrotest water should be disposed at the identified evaporation ponds in
compliance with the Saudi Aramco standards.
 If hydrotest water is amended with biocides, then the disposal shall be to
temporary evaporation ponds with around 0.5 m thick marl deposit; OR
 If no biocides are added then the disposal will be into unlined evaporation pits.
3. In case of hydrotesting:
 Re-use hydrotest water to test as many pipelines portions as possible.
 Disposal of the Hydrotest wastewater should also be done as per the Saudi
Aramco Procedure, SAEP-327.
4. Disposal to existing evaporation ponds requires evaluation as a new procedure.
The volume, water quality, and potential for contamination from additional
disposal require a separate evaluation.
5. Sanitary wastewater to be treated and disposed as per the identified method
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(Package Treatment Unit; e.g. MBR). The design of the MBR system should
meet the requirements stated under section 8.3 of SAES-A-104 standard. The
design of the MBR plant shall be forwarded to the Wastewater Management &
Water Conservation Unit of EPD for review and approval prior to start of any
construction activity.
6. Potable water use in the construction phase shall be carefully managed to ensure
minimum wastage, without compromising essential needs of the workforce.
Outlets and connections should be maintained to prevent leaks and water loss. A
periodic review of water demand and consumption is recommended.
7. Groundwater encountered during construction activities must be drained to
suitably lined ponds.
7.1.4 Flora and Fauna
1. Construction activities shall be restricted to the existing corridor and to the
immediate surroundings of the new corridor. Also, TCFs shall be located in areas
of generally sparse to negligible vegetation cover.
2. To minimize compaction of soils at the project site the movement of vehicles and
equipment will be restricted to existing access roads and tracks only.
7.1.5 Land Use and Population

1. Expatriate work force must be sensitized to local customs, cultural and religious
sensitivities. An initial cultural orientation programme is recommended in the
early stages of the project to familiarize the workforce with local customs and
practices.
2. The Kingdom is an Islamic country and therefore Islamic traditions must be
respected at all times. The expatriate work force must ensure work is carried out
in utmost respect of local customs and religious practices.
3. Any complaints from the public in the area must be recorded and reviewed. As
appropriate a formal response should be made and where necessary the corrective
and preventive actions should be implemented.
4. Maintaining aesthetics during construction and operation should be made a
priority and all project activities should ensure good housekeeping, organized
storage of chemicals, drums wastes and other materials, regular removal of any
wastes including any contaminated soils.
5. The EPC contractors should adhere to the routes assigned for the vehicles on site.
7.1.6 Noise
1. All project related activities should be in accordance with the Saudi Aramco’s
SAES–A–105 Noise Control standard.
2. High noise construction activities and areas should be identified and all personnel
(employees, contractors, subcontractors, and visitors) passing through or
performing work in these areas must be provided with appropriate hearing
protection devices such as ear plugs or ear muffs.
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3. Use construction related soil stockpiles as effective noise barriers when feasible.
4. Shut off idling equipment.
5. Personnel using high noise equipment over prolonged periods of time should be
provided with both ear plugs and ear muffs, and rotated frequently between work
shifts.
7.1.7 Waste Management

A formal Waste Management Plan shall be established and executed by the
Construction Contractor for the construction and operational phase of the project to
provide guidance on waste management and should include minimization, collection,
storage, treatment, re-use or disposal strategy for wastes generated in this project.
The recommendations for construction and operations phase waste management are
discussed in detail in Section 6.5 of this report.
7.1.8 Training
An Environmental Management Training (EMT) programme is recommended prior to
the start of construction activities. The objectives of the training programme would
be to familiarize project personnel with the environmental regulatory requirements,
standards, environmental impacts and mitigation measures recommended in this
report. Table 7.1 provides a recommended programme outline for the training. The
training programme should involve key Aramco and Contractor personnel involved in
the construction and operational phases of the project.
Table 7.1: Environmental Management Training (EMT) Programme Outline (Suggested)

Sl# Session Focus Issues
1 Project Overview  Project Objectives and Need
 Construction and Operation Overview
 Environmental Concerns
2 Environment Regulations and Standards  Applicable Regulatory Requirements
 PME - GER
 Saudi Aramco Standards/Procedures
3 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation  Air
Measures/Plan  Soil and Groundwater
 Water and Wastewater
 Flora and Fauna
 Social Impacts
 Waste Management
 Work Permit System
 General Safety Rules and Orientation
 Work Specific Hazards and Risk Control
7.2 Construction Phase Environmental Monitoring Plan

The recommended environmental management monitoring program for the
construction phase is listed in Table 7.2 below.
Table 7.2. Recommended Construction Phase Monitoring Program.
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Media Monitoring Requirements Frequency Responsibility Reporting
Quarterly audits to be conducted

to determine EPC contractor SAPMT/
General Quarterly SAPMT/EPD
compliance to CEMP/EIA Contractor
recommendations.
Visual inspection of the site for
dust generation severity and
Air Quality Daily Contractor SAPMT/EPD
application of suppressants, as
required
A one-time sampling of soils
along designated sites (Storage of
hazardous substances/ wastes) in
the project corridor for the
following parameters: One time
Soils and  Trace metals sampling prior
Contractor SAPMT/EPD
Geology to start of
 Mercury
construction
 VOC
 TOC
 Nutrients (nitrates,
phosphates, sulfates)
Hydrotest water disposal plan As required
depending on water quality and during
Wastewater Contractor SAPMT/EPD
disposal location (existing sump commissioning
pits). phase
Treated sanitary wastewater
should be sampled and analyzed
for parameters listed in Appendix
1 of PME’s Industrial and
Municipal Wastewater
Discharges Standard
Sampling parameters in Appendix

1 (Prescribed Concentrations and
Values) include:
 Floatables
 pH
 TDS
Wastewater  Turbidity Monthly Contractor SAPMT/EPD
 TSS
 BOD
 COD
 TKN
 TOC
 Ammonia
 Total inorganic nitrogen
 Heavy metals
 Oil and Grease
 Phenols
 Phosphate and
 Total coliform
Monthly site audits to confirm
contractor/sub-contractor and site
SAPMT/
Noise personnel compliance to noise Monthly SAPMT
Contractor
mitigation requirements and
adherence to PPE requirements
Waste Reviews should be conducted by Every 6 months SAPMT/Contracto SAPMT
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Media Monitoring Requirements Frequency Responsibility Reporting

Management SAPMT in coordination with r
Senior Site Manager.
Key high level performance

actions should include setting
targets for reducing waste
disposal to landfills
Site management team should

review audit results every 3
months.
Construction Contractor key

performance indicators (KPI)
with regard to amount of waste
generated and recovery of waste
materials:
 Reduction in tonnage
of waste per unit of
construction activity.
 Percentage of total
waste sent to landfill.
 Percentage recovery
of waste for reuse and
recycling.
 Waste created per
build phase (i.e. site
preparation, construction,
commissioning)
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8.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

The following project alternatives have been considered for the Fadhili Downstream
Pipelines project:
1. Project Location and Site Alternatives
2. Project Design
3. Water Use Alternatives
4. New Corridor Alternatives
5. No Project
8.1 Project Location and Site Alternatives

The Fadhili Downstream Pipelines project is planned for development by Saudi
Aramco at the FGP and WGP and in between corridors between the two plants and
also along a largely new pipeline corridor between FGP and EWPS-1 in the Eastern
Province of the Kingdom.
The proposed Fadhili Gas Plant (FGP) will be located approximately 8 km from the
multi-lane, Abu Hadriyah government highway that connects to the port city of
Dammam.
The proposed pipelines will be constructed in a new corridor (FDEWG-1) and in

existing Saudi Aramco corridors and parallel to existing pipelines.
The project is part of the Fadhili Development Program, the primary objective of
which is to support corporate strategy to meet the in-Kingdom sales gas demand and
to reduce crude oil burning.
At present, there are no sales gas pipelines available for transportation from FGP to
the East-West Pipeline Corridor and MGS. Therefore, the development of the project
will ensure the in-Kingdom sales gas demand is met (through development of
Khursaniyah and Hasbah non-associated gas fields) and by transportation of sales gas
from FGP to EWPS-1 and also sour gas and HDO in between FGP and WGP.
8.2 Project Design

The project design objective is to provide sufficient pipeline capacity to maintain
reliability of the MGS by providing an eight hour survival time for all sales gas
customers, based on OSPAS operating requirements set forth in OSPAS letter
P&E/430/96.
The project will meet additional sales gas demand (in the Kingdom) and reduce crude
oil burning through the development of pipelines for sales gas to be made available
from the FGP to the EWPS corridor to the MGS.
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Design alternatives include a new route developed for the FDEWG-1 Sales Gas
pipeline. The pipeline previously was 234 km-long and set to pass through existing
corridors and in the vicinity of towns and cities in the Eastern Province. However, the
alternate design consideration now cuts the pipeline length to 204 km and will
traverse through a largely new corridor between FGP and EWPS-1, thereby avoiding
large towns and cities (refer Section 3.9.4 below for details).
8.3 Water Use Alternatives

The water required for TCF's and hydrotesting shall be sourced by the local
contractors and disposed off without impacting the environment, as detailed in
Section 5. No water use alternatives have been considered.
8.4 New Corridor Alternatives

The following pipelines will be installed in existing corridors as follows:
 FDKG-1 pipeline in the existing KRT corridor, FGP upstream and downstream
pipeline corridor, and KGP upstream and downstream pipeline corridor.
 FDWDL-1 pipeline in the existing FGP upstream and downstream pipeline
corridor, KGP upstream and downstream pipeline corridor, and KRT corridor.
 FDWTG-1 in the existing KRT corridor, FGP upstream and downstream pipeline
corridor, and KGP upstream and downstream pipeline corridor.
The FDEWG-1 pipeline base case route was initially designed as a 230 km-in-length
pipeline and was to be routed through the existing Fadhili Crude Trunk Line Corridor,
QQ-1 Corridor (adjacent to Old Safaniyah Highway and Abu Hadriyah-Dammam
Highway), ADJ-1 Corridor, and ABGP-1 Corridor. However, the LUP for the base
case route was rejected by LPD due to close proximity of the pipeline to developed
areas.
However, it will now alternatively be approximately 204 km-long and will be

installed mainly in a new corridor and partially along the existing trunkline at Fadhili
reservation area and existing EW corridor. The pipeline now is of shorter length (204
km), has reduced valve station requirements, has a lower pipeline area classification,
and is away from developed areas. Refer Figure 3.10 for the original base case route
location and the new proposed route map.
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Figure 3.10: FDEWG-1 New Route Map against Original Base Case Route
8.5 No Project
The project is part of the Fadhili Development Program to provide for grassroots
facilities and industrial support facilities to process a total gas volume of 1,500
MMSCFD (of which 500 MMSCFD from Khursaniyah onshore and 1,000 MMSCFD
from Hasbah offshore non-associated sour gas [800 MMSCFD from Hasbah II and
200 MMSCFD from WGP]). This gas capacity (500 MMSCFD from Khursaniyah
and 1,00 MMSCFD from Hasbah) will be utilized to process 765 MMSCFD of sales
gas and 2,300 MTD of sulfur to meet a portion of forecasted peak sales gas demand
and reduce crude oil burning.
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The proposed facilities under this project (BI-10-01904) will consist of a pipeline to
transport sales gas from FGP to East West MGS, a pipeline to transport sales gas from
WGP and KGP to East West MGS, a pipeline to transport sour gas from WGP to
FGP, and two pipelines to transport HDO and Utility Water each from WGP to FGP.
At present, there are no sales gas pipelines available to transport gas from FGP to the
East West Pipeline corridor to MGS. Further, new and existing sales gas customers in
the Jubail area, Ras Al-Khair, Central Region and Western Region are increasing the
overall demand volumes.
Not going ahead with the planned Fadhili Downstream Pipelines will limit Saudi
Aramco’s business objective to meet additional sales gas demand in the Kingdom and
to reduce crude oil burning to promote industry in the western coastal region.
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9.0 POTENTIAL TO EARN CERTIFIED EMISSION REDUCTION (CER)

CREDITS
9.1 Overview of the CDM Process
Certified Emission Credits are generated from projects that qualify under Clean
Development Mechanism (CDM). This is a flexible market based tool for achieving
overall global reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and is a result of the
Kyoto Protocol. Through this mechanism, Annex 1 countries may purchase emission
reductions generated from project investments in non-Annex 1 countries in view of
meeting their Kyoto targets. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a non Annex 1 country
and therefore is eligible for investment under CDM.
CDM projects are expected to achieve reductions in emissions measured as units of

Certified Emission Reductions (CER) where 1 CER is equivalent to 1Ton of CO2.
The certified reductions are issued through a rigorous process of project evaluation by
the CDM executive board. Examples of projects which are eligible for CERs include:
 Methane capture and flaring or power generation/waste to energy projects;
 Avoidance of methane from wastewater treatment plants;
 Fossil fuel switch;
 Leak reduction from natural gas pipeline compressor or gate stations;
 Renewable energy;
 N2O abatement;
 Reduction in emissions of HFC, SF6;
 Cable cars for rapid mass transit systems;
 Afforestation and reforestation.
9.2 CDM Eligibility Requirements

For a project to be registered as clean development and earn certified reduction
credits, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
 The project must promote sustainable development in the country where it is
being implemented;
 The emission reductions from CDM projects must be real, measurable, long
term and additional to reductions that would have occurred without the project.
Additionality must be demonstrated using guidelines recognized by the CDM
executive board and at a minimum must satisfy the following:
o Alternative Assessment: The proposed CDM project must not be the
preferred alternative. It should be demonstrated that there are other feasible
alternatives however the project has been decided upon in favor of clean
development.
o Investment analysis: It must be demonstrated that there are no financial
incentives for the company to recover fully or partially the costs except the
credits earned in certified emission reductions.
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o Regulatory analysis: It must be demonstrated that there are no national

regulations requiring a similar project, which therefore would have required
the proponent to undertake the project irrespective of the provisions of
CDM.
o Common practice analysis: It must be demonstrated that the project is in line
with recognized practices however there is no payback except for provisions
under CDM.
 Funding for CDM projects must not divert funding from existing official
development assistance.
 The proposed project will not result in significant negative environmental
impacts.
9.3 Overview of the CDM Registration Process

The registration of a project under the provisions of CDM involves the following
main activities:
1. Project Identification: This step involves identifying and screening project ideas.
This step requires diligence from the proponent in ensuring that the project
satisfies the additionality requirements. Where additionality is not satisfied, the
project must not be pursued. Further at this stage it should also be determined if
there are existing UNFCC approved methodologies to verify emission
reductions. In the absence of approved methods, the proponent must take into
consideration that a new method would have to be proposed and approved by
the executive board.
2. Government Endorsement: Following the first step of identifying a potential

CDM project, a project idea note (PIN) must be compiled and submitted to the
DNA for review and approval. In the Kingdom, the DNA is presided over by a
representative of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and the
membership of a number of relevant Ministries including:
 Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs;
 Ministry of Commerce and Industry;
 Ministry of Health;
 Ministry of Water and Electricity;
 Ministry of Agriculture;
 PME;
 Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu;
 Saudi Aramco;
 Saline Water Conversation Corporation;
 Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC);
 King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.
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3. Project Design Document & Baseline Assessment: This step is recommended

following the approval of the host country’s DNA so as to ensure reasonable
confidence in the project satisfying the CDM additionality criteria and national
policies. The Project Design Document (PDD) maybe considered being as the
equivalent of a formal application for registration where the project must be
detailed comprehensively, additionality demonstrated and reductions quantified
using approved methods. The calculation of reductions must also involve an
assessment of the current situation or baseline.
4. Validation: For the proposed project to qualify as a CDM, the PDD along with
the baseline study, and other relevant information including host country’s’
DNA endorsement must be submitted to an approved third party referred to as
the Designated Operational Entity (DOE). It is only upon the approval of the
DOE that the project is considered by the executive board for registration as a
CDM.
5. Registration: Registration is the formal acceptance by the Executive Board of a

validated project as a CDM project activity.
6. Monitoring: Once registered, the Project Proponent is responsible for

monitoring the actual GHG emissions reduced by the project. A DOE must be
approached periodically to verify and certify the reduction in GHG emissions.
7. Verification: This step involves an periodic independent review and verification

of reductions.
8. Certification: Certification is written assurance by the DOE that during a

specified time period, a project activity achieved the GHG emissions reductions
as verified.
9. Issuance of CERs: The DOE along with its certification report submits a request
to the Executive Board for the issuance of CERs.
9.4 Potential Opportunities for Qualifying under CDM

From the project specifications available on the Fadhili Downstream Pipelines
project, no specific carbon abatement programmes have been identified.
ECB has queried the project search engine of the United Nations Framework for
Climate Change (UNFCC) for potential projects registered under CDM related to
crude oil transport.
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There are no opportunities identified within the current scope and specification of the
proposed Fadhili Downstream Pipelines project for registration under the CDM. Any
initiative for CDM must satisfy the additionality requirements in Section 9.3
previously.
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10.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY

Construction sites comprise several activities that pose occupational health and safety
(OH&S) hazards to the workforce. The risks associated with these hazards depend on
the extent of control measures and process safety at the site. OH&S hazards can
largely be classified into the following categories:
 Physical – e.g. working at elevated platforms, slips and falls, heat stress;
 Chemical – e.g. chemical poisoning, chemical burns;
 Biological – e.g. contact with wastewater/sludge, allergies to latex gloves;
 Ergonomical – e.g. confined space, poor workstation design; and
 Physiological, Psychological – e.g. noise, radiation, adverse weather.
Table 10.1 presents typical hazards that are likely to occur during the construction
phase. The associated risks of these hazards are activity specific and dependent on the
following:
 Probability of the hazards being realized;
 Consequences in the event of the hazard occurring (typical consequences
include minor injuries, permanent or temporary disability, fatality); and
 Control measures (i.e. health and safety procedures and documentation, built
in safety provisions in the equipment, use of PPE, monitoring and
measurement, etc).
The Construction Contractor should assume overall responsibility for safety at the
worksite. The contractor should establish a health and safety team that will be
responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of construction
phase occupational health and safety programs.
The safety program should ensure the active participation of construction personnel,
sub-contractors, SAPMT and any visitors to the site. All employees and contractor
personnel should be provided with safety orientation prior to commencing work
activities. The orientation should include acquainting personnel with the work site,
nature of work, actual and potential hazards that may be encountered during the work
activities they undertake, and equipment and practices to be adopted. Supervisors
should have a full understanding of potential hazards that construction personnel
could encounter in their work areas, and the safety practices to be implemented. Sub-
contractors should adopt the Construction Contractor’s safety rules and policies for
the project.
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be made mandatory including
the use of safety hats, safety shoes, safety goggles, ear plugs, gloves, dust masks, etc.
July 23, 2014 204 | P a g e

Table 10.1: Typical Occupational Health and Safety Hazards at Construction Sites
Ergonomic Hazard
Biological Hazard
Chemical Hazard
Potential Hazard
Physical Hazard
Physiological/
Psychological
Accident
SN#
1 Slips and Falls X X

2 Falls into holes, ditches, etc. X X
3 Injuries and Contusions from Falling Objects X X
Confined Space Hazards (Suffocation, Oxygen
4 Deficiency, Chemical Poisoning, Fear and Panic, X X X X X X
Contact with Objects)
Electrical Shock by contact with faulty electrical
5 X X
equipment, exposed wires, etc
6 Injuries from flying particles, spills, gas release X X X

Acute Poisoning from Inhalation/Accidental
8 X X
Ingestion of Chemicals
9 Chemical Burns by corrosive liquids X X
10 Exposure to High Noise X X X
12 Adverse Weather Conditions (e.g. Heat) X X X
Skin Irritations or Dermatoses from Handling of
13 X X
Chemicals
14 Nasal Irritations from Inhalation of Chemical Odors X X
15 Allergies from Latex Gloves and PPE X X X X
Diseases from Infectious Agents (e.g. Sewage) and
16 X
Toxins
Musculoskeletal Injuries caused by handling of
17 heavy loads e.g. equipment, chemical containers & X X X
awkward working postures
Hazards from prolonged wear of personal protective
18 X X X X
equipment
19 Cuts due to using hand tools X
20 Burns due to contact with hot objects and surface X
21 Injury due to repetitive manual work X

Medical Implications from Prolonged Exposure (e.g.
22 Handling of Heavy Loads, Prolonged Exposure to X X X
Hazardous Chemicals including Carcinogens, etc)
23 Exposure to Concrete Dust X X
24 Exposure to Asbestos X X X
25 Vehicular Accidents X X
26 Abrasive Blasting X X
27 Airborne Silica and Other Contaminants X

Cranes, Hoists, and Rigging (Falling Objects, Fall
28 X X
from Height, etc.)
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Ergonomic Hazard
Biological Hazard
Chemical Hazard
Potential Hazard
Physical Hazard
Physiological/
Psychological
Accident
SN#
Excavations area hazards (fall into excavated areas,

29 X X
excavation accidents, etc.)
30 Injuries from Welding and Hot Work X X
During the construction phase particular attention must be given to work:

 On elevated platforms/scaffolds;
 With cranes;
 Hot work;
 With compressed air use or gas installations;
 Using power, pneumatic, or hydraulic tools;
 Near public sites or public roads;
 In confined spaces;
 Involving structural alterations, temporary supports, or scaffolding; and
 Near traffic (work near access roads).
Following the identification of actual or potential hazards at the work-site, the

Contractor should ensure adequate steps are taken to manage the risks of those
hazards through an assessment, and taking overall responsibility for risk control,
personnel training, and ensuring a safe work environment.
10.1 Mitigation Measures

1. The project construction workforce shall comply with Work Permit requirements,
hazard and risk assessments, training and other requirements prescribed by Saudi
Aramco's safety management system. The Contractor shall determine the hazards
and controls required for each area of operation including procedures to be
followed in case of an emergency.
2. Contractors working along the corridors should be made aware how to respond
during an emergency.
3. Precaution should be taken when excavation is carried out due to the presence of
other underground services. Excavation and backfilling activities shall be
conducted in accordance with SAES-114, Sections 5.2.3 and 5.5 (safety).
4. The contractor should also follow a Pre Excavation Checklist as per Saudi
Aramco Safety Management Guide 06-002-2008, Section 4.2. All excavations,
including shoring and sheeting materials and systems, shall meet the minimum
July 23, 2014 206 | P a g e

requirements established by the Saudi Aramco Safety Management Guide 06-

002-2008.
5. Provide pedestrian traffic on construction site with protection such as barriers,
fences and sidewalks.
6. All sites must have controlled access to limit unauthorized individuals from
entering construction areas. Construction sites must be fenced. Excavation areas,
especially, need to be fenced or barricaded and clearly identified with appropriate
signage.
7. As per the Saudi Aramco general instruction “GI-150.001 Asbestos Hazard
Management”, use of asbestos containing materials shall be disallowed in new
construction.
8. Chemicals used shall be clearly identified and labeled; an associated Saudi
Aramco Chemical Hazard Bulletin or manufacturer’s material safety data sheet
(MSDS) should be made available and accompanying container label shall be
maintained.
9. Noise (during construction) shall be maintained to levels as per the requirements
of SAES-A-105, Noise Control.
10. Identify potential hazardous material conditions at the site. When potential
hazardous conditions are apparent or suspected, testing shall be performed and
the hazard should be eliminated before work commences.
11. Provide proper lighting arrangement at the construction camp sites.
12. Precautionary measures should be taken for the prevalent occurrence of
mosquitos and other insects during the construction stage caused by the
stagnation of water and uncollected wastewater.
13. If radioactive sources are used in this project the following regulations of Saudi
Arabia should be adhered to:
 General Instructions of Ionizing Radiation Protection in Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, 2007
 Instructions of Safe Transport of Radioactive Material in Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, 2007.
14. The contractor should ensure that providing services that utilize ionizing radiation
such as Density Gauges Assessment have a Radiation Protection Officer (RPO)
certified by the government authority. Following are some of the RPO's key
responsibilities as per GI 150.003:
a) Coordinate the administration and all necessary documentation;
b) Enforce the implementation of Saudi Aramco radiation protection GIs and
standards;
c) Maintain personnel radiation dose records of radiation workers;
d) Review radiation workers' dose;
e) Maintain records of radiation sources;
July 23, 2014 207 | P a g e

f) Coordinate the periodical calibration of radiation monitoring and survey

equipment;
g) Ensure at least weekly that all radioactive sources are safe and secured;
h) Inspect all permanent storages, locations and facilities of radiation
sources;
i) Ensure that all required radiation surveys are performed adequately and
maintain records of survey results;
j) Ensure radioactive sources are leak tested;
k) Participate and handle emergency situations that involve radiation
sources;
l) Participate in investigation incidents or any hazardous situations involving
radiation sources.
15. Industrial radiography projectors (that contain radioactive sources) may be
utilized for weld inspections. These devices contain radiation sources and their
usage will adhere to SAEP-1141, GI 150.003 and SAEP-370.
16. Specific occupational hazards from the construction and operational phases of the
project must be identified in advance. Risk management and control must
prioritize elimination, substitution, engineering control and or administrative
control respectively over personnel protective equipment (PPE).
17. All project personnel in the construction phase at the site must mandatorily be
required to use PPE which should include Hard Hat/Helmet, Hearing Protectors
(Ear Plugs), Goggles and Eye Protectors, Application specific gloves, Safety
Shoes, Tight Clothing, etc.
18. Clothing must not be of flammable type such as nylon, Dacron, acrylic or blends.
Fire resistant type includes cotton, Nomex and Proban.
19. All electric tools, cords and equipments must be grounded or double insulated.
20. Knowledge of general confined space procedures should be provided.
21. Smoking to be only allowed in the designated areas.
22. All activities at the site during construction and operation should be in
compliance with the Saudi Aramco General Instructions- GI 150.000 “Industrial
Hygiene and Occupational Health Aspects of Environmental Protection Policy”.
23. Communal living facilities for project workers shall comply with requirements of
Saudi Aramco Sanitary Code SASC-S-07.
24. Contractor personnel bringing in their food and water on daily basis should eat at
the designated areas. Portable cabins should be provided for having meals and
they should be made aware of the "Saudi Aramco Sanitary Code S04".
25. The development and site occupancy should accord with the requirements of
SASC’s per GI0151.006 ‘Implementing the Saudi Aramco Sanitary Code’,
together with relevant engineering standards.
26. The contractor camp accommodation shall be subject to routine inspection by a
third party auditor to assure conformance to camp standards SASC-S-07 and
other relevant sanitary code sections per GI 0151.006 and GI 2.718. Adverse
July 23, 2014 208 | P a g e

findings and recommendations shall be routed and tracked in EHS using

electronic checklists.
27. The project proponent shall be expected to ensure that camp standards continue
to conform to the Saudi Aramco Sanitary Code requirements during the complete
period of occupancy. In addition, the contractor will be obliged to accord with a
prior approval process for the camp as per GI 298 which is administered by the
local Community Services Team.
28. Heat stress issues must be monitored and addressed during the construction phase
in the summer months. Workers should be trained to recognize the signs and
symptoms of the various levels of heat stress (over-heating). Have plenty of
liquids and shaded areas should be available for rehydration and rest.
29. All project activities including contractor operations at site must be in compliance
with requirements and standards of the Ministry of Labor. A copy of the
Kingdom’s labor law can be downloaded from www.mol.gov.sa.
July 23, 2014 209 | P a g e

11.0 CONCLUSIONS
This EIA study for the Fadhili Downstream Pipelines was carried out in the early
stages of the project to determine in advance the potential impacts on the
environment, to identify and incorporate appropriate mitigation and monitoring
measures and to comply with regulatory requirements.
The study was prepared in line with the requirements prescribed in Saudi Aramco’s
SAEP 13 procedure and the requirements for PME’s Category III Project EIA studies
(Annex 2-4, GER).
11.1 Construction Phase

Impacts from the Project’s construction phase activities will largely be localized to
the project sites and immediate surroundings.
Air Quality: Site preparation and construction will result in dust generation and
vehicular exhaust emissions that could extend beyond the immediate site corridors.
However, the temporary construction duration and adherence to mitigation measures
will minimize the impact on air quality.
Soils and Groundwater: Soils and groundwater impacts will be limited as construction
will be restricted to the pipeline corridors. There is some potential for soil and
groundwater contamination from leaks or inappropriate disposal of hazardous and
non-hazardous wastes and sanitary wastewater.
Water Resources: Construction activities, potable water requirements for personnel

and construction and hydrotest water requirements will not strain water resource
supply in the region. Construction phase water requirements will be obtained from
approved local municipal sources.
Wastewater: Sanitary wastewater will be treated and disposed off in accordance with
Saudi Aramco requirements by an approved contractor. Hydrotest water will be
disposed at the evaporation ponds at km 0 and km 102 of the FDEWG-1 pipeline.
Flora and Fauna: Considering the vegetation is not significant along the corridors,
overall displacement of flora and fauna will not be a major concern
Noise: Site preparation and vehicular movement will generate elevated noise levels.
However, impact on ambient noise will be localized to the project site and immediate
surroundings and will be of temporary duration.
Land Use and Population: There are no major impacts envisaged on the local
community’s health and safety, on land acquisition, or from the migrant workforce
July 23, 2014 210 | P a g e

and traffic and transportation to and from the site. Any impact from traffic and
construction activities will be temporary in duration.
Occupational Health and Safety: Implementation of Saudi Aramco safety

management system and mitigation measures in this report (Section 10) will minimize
occurrence of personnel accidents and incidents and ensure a safe work environment.
11.2 Operations Phase

Air Quality: The operations phase will not have emissions intensive activities. Under
emregency conditions there will be emissions from burn pits. Any fugitive emissions
or hydrocarbon leaks will be controlled through routine maintenance and inspection.
Further, the project will have Leak Detection Systems (LDS) installed for the
pipelines.
No operations phase impacts are expected on soil and groundwater, water

resources flora and fauna, land use and population and ambient noise. Further,
no significant wastewater or waste generation is expected during this phase as there
will be no use of black powder in the pipelines.
The EIA concludes the project impacts will largely be in the construction phase. No
major impacts are expected during the operations phase considering the project
involves pipeline operations. Further, the Project will be beneficial in meeting the
Kingdom and Saudi Aramco’s objective of meeting local sales gas demand and
reducing crude oil burning. Further, the Project will also help provide direct and
indirect job opportunities especially during the construction phase through the
commissioning of contractors and sub-contractors.
July 23, 2014 211 | P a g e

12.0 REFERENCES
1. Abderrahman, W.A. (2006). Groundwater Resources Management in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Water Association.
2. Al-Alawi, Jamil and Abdul Razzak, M. (1994). Water in the Arabian Peninsula:
Problems and Perspectives. In Peter Rogers and Peter Lydon (eds.). Water in the Arab
World: Perspectives and Prognoses. Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University
Press
3. Al-Anazi (2007). What you know about the Ghawar Oil Field, Saudi Arabia? King
Saud University.
4. Al Obaikan (2000). Atlas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2nd Edition.
5. Boden, T.A., G. Marland, and R.J. Andres (2011). Global, Regional, and National
Fossil-Fuel CO2 Emissions. Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tenn., U.S.A. doi
10.3334/CDIAC/00001_V2011.
6. Chaudhary, S. and Jowaid, A. (1999). Vegetation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

Ministry of Agriculture.
7. Din, Jamsheed. World’s Largest Seawater Plant helps keep the Oil Flowing.
Dimensions International.
8. Abuzinada, H. A. (2005). The National Strategy for Conservation of Biodiversity in

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation
and Development.
9. Abuzinada, H. A. (2003). The Role of Protected Areas in Conserving Biological

Diversity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The National Commission for Wildlife
Conservation and Development.
10. Edgell, H. S. 1997. Aquifers of Saudi Arabia and their Geological Framework. The
Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Water Resources in the Arabian
Peninsula: Part I, 22(1C): p. 3.
11. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2009. Groundwater
Management in Saudi Arabia.
12. Hussain, M. Badr, 2013. Minimizing Gas Flaring at Khurais Central Processing
Facility. Khurais Producing Department, Saudi Aramco.
July 23, 2014 212 | P a g e

13. Jacob Thomas. Current Status of Plant Conservation in Saudi Arabia. King Saud
University.
14. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, 1988. Climate Atlas of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh.
15. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, 1995. Land Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia, The. Land Management Department.
16. National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, Biodiversity of

Saudi Arabia. Available at: http://www.ncwcd.gov.sa
17. Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard, SAES-A-112, 2011. Meteorological and

Seismic Design Data.
18. Stipho, A. S., 1992. Aeolian Sand Hazards and Engineering Design for Desert
Regions.
19. White, F. and Leonard, J.1991.The Vegetation of Saudi Arabia.
July 23, 2014 213 | P a g e

Bi-10-01904 - Eia Report

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EIA REPORT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

EIA REPORT- Rev01

Submitted By: Submitted To:

Phone: 00966 1 462 2926 Phone: +966

Environmental Impact Assessment

EIA REPORT – Rev 01

July 23, 2014 2|Page

Internal Quality Control and Quality Assurance

01 July 23, Revision 01 Subit Ahmed Abraham

July 23, 2014 3|Page

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS ...................................................... 8

July 23, 2014 4|Page

4.1.1 National Outlook ...................................................................................... 60

July 23, 2014 5|Page

5.2.3 Cumulative Impacts ............................................................................... 162

July 23, 2014 6|Page

7.1.6 Noise ..................................................................................................... 192

July 23, 2014 7|Page

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABREVIATIONS

July 23, 2014 8|Page

LDS Leak Detection System

July 23, 2014 9|Page

TCF Temporary Construction Facilities

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The Engineer Mowaffaq Rushaid Office for Environmental Consulting/

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 The project site is located within Dammam and Al Hasa hydrogeological

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Specific mitigation measures and environmental management and monitoring

July 23, 2014 13 | P a g e

Saudi Aramco requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be carried

The Engineer Mowaffaq Rushaid Office for Environmental Consulting/

1.1 Project Overview

1.2 Project Stakeholders

July 23, 2014 14 | P a g e

 Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) (as the environmental

1.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Process

“The process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating

July 23, 2014 15 | P a g e

Figure 1.1 Interface of EIA with Project Planning and Implementation

1.4 EIA Objectives

1. To comply with Saudi Aramco and PME’s requirements for undertaking an

1.5 Project Classification

1. Category I: A proposed project is classified as first category if it is likely to

July 23, 2014 16 | P a g e

populations or environmentally sensitive areas, and is not expected to produce

Typically the project classification is determined through an initial scoping and

1.6 Assessment Methodology

Table 1.1: Summary of EIA Methodology

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1.6.1 Aspect Identification and Assessment criteria

If total score >9 then significant

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Table 1.2: Criteria for Probability Scoring

Table 1.3: Criteria for Consequences Scoring

Table 1.4: Criteria for Assessing Significance of Aspects

July 23, 2014 19 | P a g e

2.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

2.1 Environmental Regulatory Framework for the EIA Study

The other environmental regulatory agency in the Kingdom is the Royal

2.2 Applicability of PME Regulations